37 km off the coast of Sihanoukville is the island of Koh Rong Sam Loem. It is home to a community of 65 families who make a living principally from fishing. The only school on the island is currently closed because they cannot afford to pay a teacher. So none of the children are currently receiving an education. The school is a basic three sided wooden hut with a few desks. In the wet season the children have to wade through waist deep water to get there. However, although it may not look like much, it is enough and the children are eager to learn. Yet they are missing out on one of the most basic of human rights. Opportunities are not available and talent is being wasted.. Dive Shop Cambodia has taken on the challenge of raising the funds to re-open the school.

The money raised will go directly towards paying the salary of a Khmer teacher. Just $300 will pay a teacher for 6 months. Dive Shop Cambodia are not an NGO or other charitable organization and have no costs (staff, rent, bills etc) or political interests/connections. 100% of the money raised will be given straight to the chief of the village who has the most informed knowledge of the communities needs.

However, we will not hand over money just as a one step solution to the problem. Over the past 4 months we have been developing a strong relationship with the people of the village and a volunteer from the Dive Shop is currently teaching the children English. Raising money is just the start of a long term education and conservation project working with the whole village. It is hoped that eventually the children and their parents will become more aware and appreciative of the their unique environment and begin to take an interest in its preservation coming to a realisation that their livelihood can be equally preserved without resorting to some of the destructive fishing methods currently employed.

Dive Shop Cambodia have already organised one fund raising event and are planning others, so if you wish to participate in this project please contact us.

Click Here To View Past Fundraising Events