2008 has been a year of significant growth for PEPY, both in terms of our staff and the development of our programs. We now have over 40 Khmer and foreign staff working in Cambodia and driving our mission. As we close out 2008, we want to extend our appreciation to all of our supporters who continue to stay interested and involved in our work. The collective contributions of PEPY friends from around the globe are vital to our organization. Together, we are bringing real educational change to Chanleas Dai. Read on to see highlights from 2008.
As I write, all around me are the sounds and sights of a well-functioning school. Uncrowded classrooms with 10-20 students are learning, laughing, singing, reading, writing, and fully engaged. They are working in small groups, writing stories to share with their parents who come tomorrow to see their work. Teachers are standing at the front of classrooms, leaning over students’ shoulders, encouraging young learners, smiling and laughing alongside their young students. A few classes are working outside, playing games or reading story books under shade trees.