The students and staff at Spitler School send out a special THANK YOU to our many donors, who made Spitler School a part of their year-end giving. Your support is sincerely appreciated, and we are putting it work for the benefit of 750 deserving children.

We also wish to recognize three special donors who stepped up to help the school in a special way.

We were shocked to learn that someone broke into our computer lab and stole the 15 laptop computers we were using to teach our computer classes. Before this happened, we needed more computers and Sarin was in the process of sourcing some used desk top computers, but this event certainly accelerated the effort.

We are blessed with special friends: The Amazing Grace and Genesis Group immediately donated five computers, and Harish Narayanan donated four. Then the Taub family visited the school and provide funds for all the additional computers that were needed to restock the computer lab and get classes moving forward. Their contribution also provided additional funds needed for our English program.

Mr. Udom has been our IT instructor for the past three years. He is 24 years old and received is degree from Build Bright University in Siem Reap.  He says he really enjoys giving Spitler School students a basic knowledge of computer skills. The children learn typing skills and are introduced to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as navigating email and the internet.

It was thrilling for us to see photos of children unpacking the computers and helping the staff to set them up.

At age 42, after working closely with Americans for over twelve years, Sarin has finally crossed the Cambodian border and landed half way around the globe for a chance to see a small slice of America.  His trip is being sponsored by Spitler School, Global ADE, and the Amazing Grace Spiritual Center.  All of these organizations are providing vital educational programs to children in Cambodia.

Sarin’s trip includes time in Seattle, where he is speaking at churches and schools and donor groups.  He was also able to spend three days in Arizona where a reception was held in his honor.  The reception gave Sarin the opportunity to meet almost three dozen ardent supports of his work at Spitler School.  In addition to this reception Danny and Pam Spitler took Sarin for a whirlwind tour of Arizona with stops at the Grand Canyon, Prescott, Sedona, and the historic mining town of Jerome.  Sarin says “America is Beautiful.”  When we consider all that generous Americans have done to help the children of Cambodia, we couldn’t agree more.

 

 

This is the week that Americans emphasize BEING THANKFUL. While Thanksgiving is not a holiday in Cambodia there is no shortage of thankfulness around Spitler School.

The STUDENTS are thankful – They say THANK YOU every day with their smiles, their love of school, and their excitement to learn.

The TEACHERS are thankful – They appreciate being able to teach children in a safe environment where they are given the tools and supplies they need to really make a difference in the lives of the children.

The PARENTS are thankful – They understand that Spitler School gives their children the opportunity that most of them never had, to receive a basic education free of charge.

The VILLAGE LEADERS are thankful – They are grateful that Spitler School continues to partner with the community to provide clean drinking water and to repair damaged roads.

CHEA SARIN is thankful – Not only is he realizing his dream of helping thousands of children in his country, but he is enjoying a chance to travel to the USA and experience a true American Thanksgiving.

EVERYONE associated with Spitler School is THANKFUL for the generosity of all those who provide the support that keeps the school moving forward and impacting young lives.