The Power of Education

     Education is the life-line for children in Cambodia. Education is the key that unlocks a door of possibilities for their future. It guides them through life and is with them every step of the way. Children at CPO hardly have anything. They live in a small dorms with 9 to 17 other people. They have no parents to guide them through life, and the conditions in which they live are definitely not hygienic. Although these children don't have much, they bring happiness, knowledge, and excitement into the classroom. The Cambodian kids love to go to school and learn. School is the their escape from all of the difficult things going on in their lives. All of the children are eager to learn each day and don't want to leave school. When I was teaching in a level 3 classroom I was instructed the teach pronunciation. I had the class read sentences that I was writing on the board and I told them how to pronounce them correctly. Class was almost over but the children wanted to continue reading the sentences, even after class time had ended. It surprised me so much because in America, students want to leave school and try to get the teacher to let class out early. However, in Cambodia the children always want to read one more sentence and keep learning. The students eagerly shoot their hand up when asked a question and compete to get called on.

     Whenever I walk into the school my heart is filled with joy. I get to see these incredible kids learn English which will help them throughout the rest of their lives. Almost any well-paying job in Cambodia requires you to speak English. These kids that live in the orphanage don't have money to support them the rest of their lives. They need to get a good job in order to live on their own and possibly even raise a family one day. In the couple of days I have taught at the school I have learned that education is so much more than just going to school and learning various things. It's more powerful than the ocean. It can stop wars, create peace, and improve a country. Education is why I am here helping these children, and even writing this blog. It can create a bond between two people that will never be broken. Parents in Cambodia and this village area don't realize the power of education, they want their child to live for now and help support the family. Many don't want their child to have the only key that will open the door to a better future. This is astonishing to me because I have so much support from my parents and sister with my education. I couldn't imagine them not thinking about my future and knowing the potential I have.