By Kath Gannaway
If giving Cambodian children the chance to improve literacy and numeracy skills was as easy as riding a bike, everybody would do it! Right?
That’s far from the full story, but it can be a part of the story for Yarra Ranges residents with the Children of Cambodia Foundation taking to the Warburton Trail on Sunday, 20 August for a fund-raising bike ride.
The foundation, established in 2010, is a small charity that supports school children in rural northern Cambodia to attend school.
Education is not compulsory in Cambodia.
“It’s a desperately poor country, and the villages where we are operating are among the most impoverished,” said Geoff Shanks, deputy chairman of the foundation.
“Many families simply cannot afford to send their children to school. They cannot cover the mandatory costs of purchasing school stationery and uniforms.
“In addition, many children cannot get to school as they live beyond walking distance from their local school and do not have a bike.”
Mr Shanks said providing the necessary items helped relieve the financial pressure on families, enabling their children to get to school.
Library books, teaching aids, professional development for teachers and improving facilities make the school experience more rewarding.
The foundation now supports 10 schools and around 3000 students, with 90 per cent of eligible children attending school.
The success of the program brings further challenges, and Mr Shanks said ongoing funding was critical.
“The Seville event will be important in assisting with this challenge,” he said.
There are three ride options of 18km, 34km and 51km- all starting and returning to Seville for lunch at the Carriage Cafe.
The cost is $25 for adults with kids riding free.
Bookings are essential through Trybooking. Inquiries to Geoff Shanks on 0400 012 133 or visit www.childrenofcambodia.com.au .
