It gets incredibly hot in Cambodia. And when the rainy season arrives, the rainfall is intense. For kids who play outside, these weather extremes can cause problems throughout the year. That was the challenge facing our NGO Partner, the Grace House Organization.
They had a good place for their 200 kids to play outside, but the only cover available was a wind-blown, raggedy segment of shade cloth.
Here’s what Loung Chivv, the GHO Director had to say:
Games and sports have long been integral to the school’s curriculum, enriching student development well beyond academic achievement. For example, regular participation in team sports helps students maintain physical fitness and manage stress, while also improving concentration and problem-solving abilities. Games and sports promote physical and mental health, improve cognitive skills, foster social skills, and develop life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Through friendly matches, group activities and collaborative challenges, children learn to communicate effectively and support one another, cultivating a sense of belonging and confidence in their abilities.
Our space had provided some much-needed shade, but the green mesh proved to have a limited life span, would fill with leaves, leaked often, and required constant repair and maintenance.
The solution – a permanent roof.
Here’s Loung again . . .
Through the generosity of SE Asia Foundation donors, we now have a permanent corrugated metal roof complete with gutters to redirect the runoff during rainstorms.
The roof was installed in June, and the benefits of having this space were instant! The wet season was upon us and having an all-weather area to conduct sports, games, and lessons was amazing. Children and staff all have commented how much cooler the space is. Teachers are more motivated to do activities with the children outside. And staying dry is always a bonus!
Now children arrive early to school to play football, shoot some goals or just play tag. This area has proved to be a multipurpose space, being used for not only games and sports, but for presentations, performances, meetings with parents, and specialised activities.
I hope you’re getting the message here.
What you’re hearing above is a BIG thank you to YOU —
the generous donors that make our work possible.
Actually, it’s hundreds of Cambodian voices all saying
Thank You
We’re really proud to partner with Loung and the entire Grace House team, working together to improve education and life opportunities for so many marginalized kids living in underserved Cambodian villages.
If you’re interested knowing about the work that our other Cambodian NGO partners are doing in service to those most in need, you can click here.
Life is good — at least for some of us it is.
Others need a bit of help.
Together we can provide exactly that.
At the SE Asia Foundation we do not simply “help” people
We Help People Help Themselves
That is our focus
That is our commitment
That is where our actions show up
Please help us keep doing that with a tax-deductible
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