The Kome Hyappyo (100 Sacks of Rice) School No. Two

The Cambodia Rural School Project

The Kome Hyappyo (100 Sacks of Rice) School No. Two

Norm Chheun stands in front of the signboard of the school.
(October, 2001)

Norm Chheun is a 13-year-old third grade student at the Kome Hyappyo School Number Two. She was ranked third among the 46 students in her class at the end of last year. Her sister, one of eight siblings, is also in third grade at the school. Her father is a fisherman, and her mother passed away during Cambodia’s civil war.

On the new building:	“I like the new building because it has many new things: new walls, new tables, new windows, a new computer, new toilets, a new water pump, and English and computer teachers so that I can learn. In the old school building, I always worried about the rain dripping down during class because it could make my books wet when I was studying. There also wasn’t enough room for me to sit sometimes.”
On going to school:	“I like to come to school because my father encourages us to come. Also, many of my friends come here to study as well.”
On school subjects:	“I like Khmer, English and computer classes. I want to learn to speak English and how to type in both English and Khmer on the keyboard. I can speak with foreigners, too.”
If I could go anywhere…:	“I would go to Phnom Penh to find a job there because I have heard that there are many garment factories where I have a chance to work. Otherwise, I want to get a good education and become a teacher here.”