Guest Speaker - Denise Arnold PHF
Denise set up the Cambodian Charitable Trust in 2008. Denise explained she has respect for Rotary and the Trust has had a close involvement with the Otumoetai club. In 2004, Denise read about trafficking of children in Cambodia. Visited Cambodia in 2007 and wanted to prevent children being forced into prostitution. Pol Pot was deposed in 1979 but left a huge shortage of teachers. Teaching system was not developed again until the mid 1990s. The government does not have funds to pay for education. Only 46% of children complete primary school. Education has transformative value. Education is fundamental to sustainable development. Denise now has links to Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and the Minister of Education. The Trust may be able to help achieve the Ministry's goals.
Denise's vision is a quality basic education, increased completion of higher school education and improved teacher training.
100% of donations to Trust reach those who need the help. Administration costs are covered by volunteers.
Trust has impact. 420 sponsored children. 32 of those are now at university. Support of 16 project schools. Teaching development at 7 cluster schools. Teaching development is a leaner model providing remarkable results of much higher pass rates. 10,500 children being helped. Now working to help train teacher trainers in 17 teacher training colleges. Denise and the Trust expect to change the face of education in Cambodia within 10 years.
Is also to be a fundraiser to provide bikes for children. Bikes are an enormous enabler assisting with education for children, by sharing of the bikes and covering large distances to and from school.
