CONGRATULATIONS to the graduating class of 2016. Recognizing our graduates in this way is a point of pride for the children who have worked hard, their families who have supported their efforts and for the whole village.

At the ceremony each of the graduates was presented with a new bicycle. This will provide them the transportation they will need to continue their education in middle school. The bicycles were made possible by donor groups including Ms. Wei Ling and her many friends in Malaysia and from students at the Florida International University. We also welcomed special guests from IFLIX who attended the graduation ceremony. We are excited about starting a new school year on November 1, and continuing to provide an opportunity for hundreds of deserving young learners to receive an education.

The very first class of Spitler School sixth grade graduates are now positioned to finish HIGH SCHOOL this year! Incredible! These eight student scholars (seven young ladies and one young man) have worked tirelessly to get this far, and they do not intend to stop now! They want to continue their education and we applaud their focus and commitment.

 

Defying the Odds

Getting through high school in Cambodia is no small task, particularly if you are poor. Resources are spotty at best, and the costs increase with every year. A large proportion of children in Cambodian villages drop out school by grade seven, especially girls. The Ministry of Education reports that only 37-41% of eligible students reach lower secondary school and only 23-27% of all eligible students reach or complete upper secondary school. Yes, that’s a 75% (calculated) drop out rate!

Overcoming a 75% drop out rate is a high hurdle indeed, but take a look at these projections representing student enrollments at both Spitler School and Spitler-supported Kurata School:

The class of 2016 has eight potential high school graduates.
The classes of 2017 and 2018 have 22 potential graduates each.
The class of 2019 currently has 41 students!
The class of 2020 has 56 members, and the class of 2021 currently has 85 students!

Each of these classes have nearly as many girls as boys.

Continuing Education

With over 10 years of investment and passionate support, Spitler School Foundation has helped a small village to embrace an “education first’ mindset for ALL of its children.

Through generous donations from people around the world, Spitler School Foundation has built schools, classrooms, water wells and roads. They have provided vast amounts of school supplies, books, uniforms and bicycles, and they continue to maintain facilities and pay the salaries of an increasing number of professional staff. This has been the mission focus for 10 years and the results are more than gratifying. This FIRST CLASS has proven, through their hard work, commitment and determination that what was once considered impossible is now POSSIBLE for any person growing up in Ang Chagn.

Can You Help?

Spitler would now like to reward their hard work with help to achieve their dreams of a continued education. We are looking for donations to build a fund for this purpose. Can you help?

Thank you all for being a part of this wonderful new reality. You are inspiring change!