Last month, Travel Associates offices donated a further $11,000 to Samaritans Purse, the international aid organisation which our brand supports through the Taking Action initiative.
Our donation will help to build 20 new schools in Cambodia. Classrooms are currently overcrowded
leading to poor teacher performance and low student attendance. Since the province is also in close proximity to Thailand, children are vulnerable to trafficking and child labour.
Each school will provide education to 300 students and will include at least 3 classrooms, a school office, latrine block, rainwater tank/well, playground, and at least 3 classroom kits (each kit contains 30 school desks, a chalkboard, school supplies and school uniforms).
The aim of the 'Schools for Cambodia' program is to not only give access to primary school education to children but also to give children in Cambodia hope for a brighter future.
In particular, our donation has been earmarked for the Bos Thom School in Malai, near Poipet. As you can see from the photos, the current situation at Bos Thom is severely inadequate for the 48 students.
The uneven, dry, cracked mud floor makes it impossible for children to attend school during the wet season. The wooden walls have large gaps, meaning there is very little light coming into the classrooms and almost no protection from the rain.
Samaritans Purse Executive Director, Jorge, International Projects Manager, Abby, and Projects Administrator, Nicola, all thank everyone at Travel Associates for their continued support.
If you wish to make a donation to the Bos Thom School, please contact Ani Pickering on 03 9722 1413.
