Our Stories
The Community That Built a School Together
How the families of Lampat Village gave their land, time and labour to build a school for their children.
For many years, the children of Lampat Village dreamed of having a school close to home.
Every morning, young children walked long distances along dusty roads and muddy paths to reach the nearest school. Some children never started school at all, while others dropped out because the journey was simply too difficult.
Parents worried about their children's future.
"We did not want our children to grow up without an education like many of us did," one father said. "We wanted them to have opportunities that we never had."
When Rural Education Experts Cambodia (REEC) visited Lampat Village, the community saw a chance to change the future of their children.
But they knew that building a school would require everyone to work together.
Without hesitation, community leaders gathered the villagers to discuss how they could support the project. Families agreed to donate community land for the school site so that every child in the village could have a safe place to learn.
Others volunteered their time and labour. Fathers cleared the land, cut grass, and prepared the construction site. Mothers cooked meals for the workers and helped organise community meetings. Young people carried materials and assisted wherever they could.
Everyone contributed in their own way.
"This school belongs to all of us," one mother proudly said. "We are building it not only for our children, but for future generations."
Working side by side with REEC, the community transformed an empty piece of land into a place filled with hope and opportunity.
Today, the school stands as much more than a building.
It is a symbol of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared dream.
Children who once had little hope now have the opportunity to learn close to home. Parents no longer worry about their children walking long distances to school. Girls have a better chance of staying in school and avoiding early marriage. The entire community has gained a renewed sense of pride and hope for the future.
At REEC, we believe that sustainable change happens when communities are at the heart of every project. By working together, we are not only building schools — we are building stronger communities and brighter futures.
Because when a community builds a school together, they are building much more than classrooms.
They are building dreams, opportunities, and hope for generations to come.
Your support can help more communities like Lampat Village build schools and ensure that no child is left behind.
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