Bunong Children of Cambodia Thrive in After-School Program
Indigenous Bunong children in Cambodia, an ethnic minority, are dreaming bigger because of an after-school program started by World Hope International. For primary school student Ngom So Meyli, it means she can work toward becoming an English teacher when she grows up.
Bunong children like Meyli typically live far from cities that offer English language classes. Meyli’s village is 37 kilometers from Mondulkiri provincial town, and travel back and forth to bigger cities would be too expensive. Poverty is common among Bunong families.
But with the support of USAID Morodok Baitang and Mission Alliance, World Hope International brought new after-school education opportunities to Meyli’s community.
The curriculum, endorsed by the provincial Department of Education and community partners, encourages Bunong children to attend public school and the after-school classes. Activities such as art and sports keep students engaged, excited and enjoying learning after they are dismissed from their regular school.
Meyli’s enrolled in after-school English, creative arts and performance art (CAPA), conservation club, leadership and sports.
Students also can speak the Bunong language to communicate with the Bunong teachers.
“We know how to share,” Meyli said. “If we do not share (knowledge) — one read this, one read that — it is difficult to catch up.”
Srert Bopha, Meyli’s mother, noticed Meyli and her other children picked up English quickly after Meyli began attending the after-school program. Her daughter already can read and write words in English. Now Meyli’s mother encourages her to finish high school, apply for a scholarship and internship program, and become an intern teacher for Indigenous communities with World Hope.
In that role, Meyli could continue what World Hope International initiated: a program that prepares Indigenous students to pursue secondary education or higher. They deserve to dream big.
With you, more Bunong students like Meyli can get better educations. Support them with a gift to The Hope Fund.
Kristen Wright
Special Guest Contributor
Kristen Wright is a journalist with more than 20 years’ experience covering global issues. She is chief strategist and editor at Kristen Wright Strategic Communications. Reach her at kristen@kwstrategic.com and wrightkristenm on LinkedIn.