Spitler School was delighted to host a group of college students from Berkley University at the end of June. Samantha, Lauren, Megan, Jordan, Connor and Ryan.

Samantha Maccabee led the team and shared about their visit.

“After recently graduating from UC Berkeley, my five friends and I were given the incredible opportunity of volunteering at the Spitler School during our tour of Asia.

We were welcomed by the incredible staff and were able to sit in on an arts and crafts class where we helped the students draw their favorite sea creature. Our drawing skills were even given a run for their money with some of the  talent in the class. The classes’ strong English really surprised us as they introduced themselves and asked us questions about where we were from. When each student introduced themselves, they told us about their favorite activity, most saying soccer and different outdoor games. For our next visit we thought it would be a great idea to bring soccer balls, basketballs, hula-hoops, and badminton sets. I will never forget seeing the kids faces light up as we walked into the school with all the toys. It was such an incredible experience watching language barriers dissolve as we ran around the courtyard playing monkey in the middle with the soccer balls. Visiting the Spitler School was such a highlight of our trip and I know we will all definitely stay in touch with the organization.”

The team’s enthusiasm was contagious and the kids enjoyed the time immensely. From drawing to sports, it was an experience everyone will remember.

Spitler School sadly said goodbye to a couple of amazing volunteers. Jim Latt has been providing his educational expertise, sound advice, and hard work for almost seven years. Jim has decided to relocate to Europe, but we will know where to reach him, and we hope he will always be “on call.” We wish him nothing but the best in the future and will always be grateful for his immeasurable contributions to Spitler School.

We also bid farewell to Lisa Hoffmeyer, who has completed a third stint as a volunteer at Spitler School. We hope that she will find her way back to Cambodia in the future and continue her great work with the staff and children at Spitler School.

Our first graduation class was 27 students in 2010. That year we asked our donors to help us raise funds so that we could provide each of those graduates with the means to continue their education at a government middle school. To attend middle school each student need a bicycle for transportation, a school uniform with closed toed shoes, and some basic school supplies. Of that original class most finished middle school, several finished high school, and three of them are attending a university.

Because of the generosity of our donors we have been able to continue this tradition with every graduating class. The class of 2017 will be the largest class to date with 116 students. Once again we are asking our friends to help us provide these basic needs, which will allow each of these graduates to continue their education in middle school.

The cost for each student is $90 (bike $60, uniform $18, shoes $7, school supplies $5). If you are able to help one or more students we would sincerely appreciate for support.

We look forward to sharing stories and photos from the 2017 graduation ceremony planned for August 31.