A Short Visit to Tbeng
This year marked another fun visit to the Tbeng Elementary School. Although it was a short visit, it was filled with fun times and good memories. Sejane and Sna from Child’s Dream led the trip, which began with an approximately two-hour drive from Siem Reap to the Tbeng community in Oddar Meanchey province. Fortunately, the weather was kind to us. The sky was cloudy at times, but no rain fell until later in the day. Once we arrived at the school, we were greeted by familiar faces: Suwane, the school principal; several school teachers; and a leader from the community.
School teachers (left), community leader (center left), Suwane (center right), myself, Sejane (right).
HIHF’s primary project this year was the construction of a paved entranceway in front of the school. The goal is not only to improve the appearance of the school but also to help keep the classroom floors cleaner. It will also serve as a connection point for a planned concrete roadway that will run beside the flagpole and out to the main street. At the time of our visit, work had begun one day prior and was estimated to be completed within a week.
Construction of the paved entranceway. A slight decline from the school’s steps has been implemented to prevent rainwater from pooling.
Students and teachers help to move pavers closer to the entranceway.
Another area of focus was the reservoir next to the school. Last year, HIHF’s contribution helped to supply fingerlings for the purpose of fish farming in the reservoir. The dry season, however, led to significant evaporation and low water levels. When combined with the small size of the fingerlings, this resulted in little actual harvesting of fish. Currently, the school’s staff is waiting for the rain to refill the reservoir before stocking again. While the embankment around the reservoir, I am told, could be renovated to help with water retention, I think it’s best to put this project on hold for the time being. My general impression was that the other projects—such as the entranceway, roadway, and garden—are a bigger priority to the community.
The fish farming reservoir located beside the school. The area between the school and the reservoir has been set aside for a community garden.
After viewing the entranceway and reservoir, we all gathered in a circle to play a Cambodian version of Simon Says. Sejane took up the role of Simon, rapidly issuing commands to “stand up” or “sit down”—the catch being that everyone had to do the opposite of what he said. If someone didn’t, they had to break from the circle and go into the center.
Students standing in a circle to play a Cambodian game similar to Simon Says. Sejane stands in the middle of the circle.
Once the game was finished, it was time for lunch. The teachers served up a special meal of num banhchok, a traditional Cambodian soup dish with fish and rice noodles.
Students line up for a traditional lunch of Cambodian fish noodle soup, known in Khmer as num bahnchok.
The rest of the afternoon was spent meeting with Suwane, school teachers, the community leader, and Sejane and Sna. We discussed the history of the school, current projects, and plans for the future. We also gathered together with some of the students for a photo before they went home for the day.
A group photo with some of the Tbeng Elementary School students and staff.
All in all, this year marked another successful trip to Tbeng Elementary School. There is still a lot of progress to be made, but the gradual improvements already made, and being made, at the school leave me very optimistic for the future.