Preschool education is not self-evident in Cambodia. As a Dutch foundation, DARA Europe supports the educational programs of the NGO Stellar Child Care Organization (SCCO) in Cambodia. Initiator of DARA Europe, Tirza Voss, explains how preschool education can make a difference in Cambodia.
Normally, children in Cambodia attend public elementary school from the age of 6. Especially for those children from disadvantaged communities, such as Andong, where parents sometimes also have limited access to education or training themselves, children do not attend preschool. “With little encouragement in the home environment, it can mean that these children are already starting their school careers at a disadvantage,” Tirza says.
Once at the local elementary school, it is not easy. With sometimes more than 70 children in one class, there is little to no individual attention. As a result, some children fall further behind. “We saw that in Andong this often led to a lack of self-confidence and motivation and a high chance of dropping out of school.” said Tirza.
SCCO offers a solution to this problem with the provision of preschool education by providing children with a more personalized and engaged learning environment. The preschool classes at SCCO focus on essential basic skills, such as the alphabet, among others.
“The teachers also ensure that play-based learning contributes to social and emotional development, creativity and problem-solving skills.” ” This ensures that the children can start Grade 1 (similar to our Grade 3) in elementary school with some important basic skills and full of confidence,” shares Tirza.
Besides education, the preschools also provide a safe and stimulating environment for the children from Andong; precisely where their (t)home and the street do not always offer safety and comfort as a matter of course.
After kindergarten, SCCO assists parents in enrolling their children in the local Kork Rokar elementary school. “This way we are sure that the children start their formal school career, often full of motivation and enthusiasm from both proud parents and children,” says Tirza.
Preschool education serves not only as a stepping stone to elementary school, but as a flying start to a successful school career and better future.
Also read the story of Channy, preschool teacher at SCCO.
