“A Community Rising Together”

Story of Change: Udom Preksa Primary School - A Community Rising Together

Nestled in a remote Cambodian village, Udom Preksa Primary School mirrored the struggles of many rural institutions. Patchy classroom materials and a lack of basic resources painted a picture of a school yearning for improvement. "Limited funding meant classrooms lacked the vibrancy to ignite young minds," lamented Ms. Yun Men, a dedicated member of the School Management Committee for three years. "I envisioned a school that thrived not just academically, but also as a center of community spirit."

The most significant challenge, however, stemmed from disengaged parents. Many, primarily subsistence farmers with limited literacy, felt a sense of disconnect from the school. "They rarely participated in school activities," Ms. Yun Men observed. "This discouragement affected both students and staff."

In 2019, a spark of hope arrived with the Kompia Phum Yoeung Organization (KPY). Their project, focused on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), resonated with Ms. Yun Men's vision. "KPY's framework, combining Outcome Mapping (OM) and Outcome Harvesting (OH), provided a roadmap for positive change," she explained. "Open dialogues helped us identify key challenges and track progress."

Ms. Yun Men, known for her communication and leadership skills, spearheaded outreach meetings. "We needed a collective effort," she declared. "These meetings fostered a sense of shared responsibility among parents and community members." The diverse committee, with four women including Ms. Yun Men, brought a wealth of perspectives to address the school's needs.

Inspired by Ms. Yun Men's leadership, the committee transformed from observers to active participants. "Fundraising initiatives, like reaching out to other organizations and organizing tree-planting activities, became our new normal," shared a committee member. Funds raised, along with support from KPY, allowed for improvements. Collaborative projects like vegetable gardening and water tank construction fostered solidarity within the community. "We were all working towards the same goal – a brighter future for our children," a villager remarked.

The project yielded significant progress. Increased parent participation, evident in higher meeting attendance, demonstrated a sense of ownership. "The school no longer feels isolated," Ms. Yun Men beamed. "Revitalized facilities and new resources have created a more stimulating learning environment." Collaborative projects and improved resources led to increased student engagement and well-being.

Despite the success, budget constraints remain. However, the collaborative spirit fostered by Ms. Yun Men empowers the committee to dream bigger. "We've drafted plans for a larger bicycle parking area, a football field, and improved access roads with rows of flowers," a committee member shared excitedly.

The project's success lies in its focus on community ownership. By empowering parents and the community, Udom Preksa Primary School is well-positioned to sustain these positive changes for the future. Udom Preksa Primary School transformed from a struggling institution to a vibrant center of learning. "The story exemplifies the power of dedicated leadership, community engagement, and utilizing frameworks like OM and OH to achieve lasting change," Ms. Yun Men concluded. "It serves as an inspiration for rural schools facing similar challenges." This story highlights the transformative potential of collaborative efforts in fostering a brighter future for children.