Dream Catcher Foundation
Scalettastrasse 19, P.O. Box 61
7270 Davos Platz
+ 41 (0)81 410 03 39
The nineteenth project of the Dream Catcher Foundation in Cambodia is the construction of the following secondary school:
Tuol Prei Phnhiev Secondary School, Tuol Prei Village, Kuleaen District, Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia
Existing primary school building is in use and is still in good condition.
Nearly half of students drop out after primary school due to challenging commutes and inadequate classroom facilities.
School management, community, and government officials collaborating on project planning.
Project description:
Despite growth in its tourism sector, Cambodia remains one of the poorest and least developed countries in Southeast Asia, ranking 146th out of 191 on the 2021 Human Development Index, which considers education, health, and income. Development is uneven across the country, with many rural communities remain in poverty, as corruption and self-interest hinder progress.
Tuol Prei Phnhiev Village, home to 4,063 residents, is a disadvantaged community in Kuleaen District, Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia. While its hilly location with ample shade makes it a popular resting spot for travelers, the village struggles with basic necessities like electricity and water due to high costs and seasonal scarcity. Agriculture is the primary livelihood, benefiting from the village’s fertile land.
The school currently enrolls 42 students, with enrolment projected to rise to 83 in the next academic year as it transitions into a newly established secondary school serving students from six nearby villages. However, accessibility challenges persist. Although the school is located along a main road, students must travel from eight to twelve kilometres on gravel roads from their villages, including Pro Oub Village, the farthest. These roads become particularly difficult to navigate during the rainy season.
As a government school, teacher salaries and training are state-funded, but the secondary school lacks its own building and currently uses a primary school building temporarily. This situation, coupled with the long commute, contributes to a high dropout rate of 42–50% among students transitioning to grade 7.
To address these challenges, a new five-classroom building is urgently needed to provide a safe, dedicated space for secondary education. This facility will enhance access to education, reduce dropouts, and create a conducive learning environment. The plan also includes building a teacher accommodation to improve teacher retention and motivation, along with four new toilets to raise sanitation standards, prevent hygiene-related illnesses, and further reduce dropout rates. These investments are vital to ensuring quality education and a brighter future for students in this remote area.
Implementation:
As with all our projects, the local community will play an active role in the construction process. Their involvement is crucial, as it fosters a stronger sense of ownership over the project.
The community has committed to supporting the project by clearing the site, filling soil for the school foundation, and ensuring access to electricity and water for the construction phase. They will also organize the school opening ceremony. After completion, the community plans to build a school fence and drill a well for general use.
Payments will be made in installments based on construction progress, with 5% of the total cost withheld for six months as a quality guarantee. The project is considered low-risk due to its accessible location along the main road. Construction is set to begin in January 2025, with completion anticipated by July 2025.