Neareay Pre-school
Tauranga Region Kindergartens supports the Neareay Pre-school in Cambodia. The pre-school is part of the local primary school and is located in a 'normal' classroom. There is no playground, no running water or toilets and no power.
Children attend two different groups; from 7am until 11am and from 1pm until 5pm, six days per week. School uniforms are compulsory although this being a poor, remote area the School Director turns a blind eye to children not in uniform. A uniform is highly prized and the lack of one can be a barrier to attendance.
Resources are almost non-existent. There are no games or toys, no paint, crayons, paper, scissors, but a notebook and pencil only cost about $NZ1. Teachers are lowly paid (about $60 per month) and beginning teachers don't get paid for their first 9 months of teaching.
The children are bemused when given anything and it takes them some time to realise that they can touch the books and keep them. They then hold onto them very tightly. While the children seem happy and healthy a programme for testing eyesight and general health checks is being arranged. TB,malaria dengue fever and malnutrition are very real problems in Cambodia.
If you wish to make donations to the Pre-school these can be made to the Association Office or directly to the following bank account;
030435 - 00461738 - 27 (Westpac Tauranga)
The Neareay School is supported by the Cambodia Charitable Trust -
www.cambodia.trust.org.nz
