The local language calls it “Choul Chnam Thmey,” which means: “Enter the New Year.” Every April, Cambodia bursts into a vibrant display of colors, sounds, and cultural traditions as it celebrates the Cambodian New Year. This festivity, spanning three days, marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new year in the traditional Khmer calendar. Families gather to honor their ancestors, visit temples to offer prayers, and partake in various activities. Streets and homes are adorned with decorations. The celebration is not only a time for merriment but also a period of cultural expression and communal harmony.

We always enjoy photos from Spitler School as the staff and students celebrate one of Cambodia’s most important holidays. The staff and students send their best wishes, and a HAPPY KHMER NEW YEAR, to all those who support their education aspirations.

Spitler School has been standing for 20 years, and we still love how much first-time visitors are amazed and overcome with emotion. In January Danny and Dee Spitler returned to the school, and they were joined by first-time visitors, Dee’s son Dana and Arizona friends Doug Eagon and Dawn DelVecchio.

The group spent a full morning at Spitler School, where the students and staff welcomed them with traditional Khmer scarves and gifts from the children. Students in the school’s dance program performed the traditional Khmer welcome dance, and the guests spent quality time with staff and the students. After the exciting visit the group moved on to visit Kurata School, Stephen Mazujian Middle School, and then to a working lunch with officials from the Cambodian Ministry of Education. 

A comment from Dana Spitler on his first visit to Spitler School:

“I’m beyond proud of my family and the incredible work being done through the Spitler School Foundation in Siem Reap, Cambodia. What started as a dream by my uncle Danny and aunt Pam 20 years ago has grown into something truly life changing. Their vision to bring education and opportunity to kids in underserved communities is inspiring.”

Steve Adkins, an avid cyclist from Phoenix, Arizona, recently toured Cambodia with a cycling group. During the tour, Steve briefly broke away from his group in order to visit Spitler School. In full, bright, cycling gear, he brought smiles to our students. Steve is familiar with the Spitler School Foundation through his membership with the Kiwanis Club of Phoenix, which has also been supportive of the Spitler School for many years.