Dreams of the future

Rathana works as a senior supervisor at a restaurant in central Siem Reap. Everyday, he attends the advanced English class at FKC from 10 to 11am. At 30 years old, Rathana is nearly twice as old as the other students in class, but he still comes to school because he wants to be a hotel manager in the future. Nearly half the class wants to work in tourism. A few aspire to open their own restaurant or a hotel in future.

SiemReap’s main economic activity is centred on its national heritage, Angkor Wat. The city’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination means that there will never be a shortage of jobs as barmen, tour guides, drivers, receptionists, shop assistants, waiters, and chambermaids. Many want to work in hospitality because it offers job stability and best of all, it brings in a relatively good income.

But just as Siem Reap is more than its ancient history, so is its youth more than just aspiring cooks. The problem is not so much a dismal lack of ambition, as is a lack of imagination of the options beyond the tourist dollar.

 
          It all starts with an education

In Cambodia,a typical child attends a government school either in the morning (7..30-10.30am) or afternoon (1.30-4.30pm). In other words, he studies for only half a day up till high school, taking subjects such as Math, Science and Khmer. English only just been made compulsory from Grade 6 upwards.

The child is free for the rest of the day unless—and if family circumstances permit—he attends English classes run by the private and non-profit sectors. FKC is one such charity that provides free English lessons for students aged between two and 30.

The country’s lack of emphasis on education accounts for the short amount of time students spend in a state school. Only 10-15% of the national budget is set aside for education, resulting in a gross shortage of teachers and teaching resources. Teachers also earn low salaries, an average wage of $80 a month.

It is for this reason that NGO schools play a very significant role in Cambodia’s education system. These schools not only provide a child a safe environment to play and learn in, it also helps him gain a foothold for the future, should he wish to pursue a university education.

English, in particular, is an important subject as it opens up an infinite world of imagination for the young. Considering how much information on the Internet is in English, proficiency in the language would therefore give one access to a wide variety of topics. Information breeds knowledge, and knowledge, curiosity. It all starts with an education.

Thinking big, achieving dreams

Unfortunately, many children drop out of school even before they can think about university and beyond, because main bread and butter issues prevent them from completing their basic education. Those fortunate enough to finish high school often take up an apprenticeship or vocational studies where they learn how to cook, clean or sew. Few go to university, and even fewer are those who secure a place in a foreign university. Very rarely do students in Siem Reap become doctors, lawyers, accountants or nurses.

But students in the advanced class do dream of doing something different from their peers.Channa, for instance, wants to be an accountant, and Kakada, a doctor. Three other students want to be teachers.

There is nothing wrong in wanting to work in hospitality, after all, it is a respectable job that earns an honest day’s living. Rather, students need to be stretched mentally and be encouraged to think beyond their geographical limits. Young people have a lot of potential and they can be so much more. It is our job as educators to make them realise it. 

- Zhuomin Lee