BabyTree Projects (BTP) works on several different kinds of projects small and big. A large part of what we have done is help build schools in rural villages that needs them. But creating a safe place for children to attend school is not all we do. Quality education is much more than a building. There is supporting teachers to be the best teachers they can be. There is providing facilities and materials such as libraries, books and stationery. There is clothing and uniforms to consider. Access to clean drinking water, food security and sanitation. There is also the enrichment of the curriculum to include English (we plan to include more).
And then there are the less tangible, immeasurable(almost) work we do in instilling in each child we work with the importance of hope, the belief in a better world and knowledge that the pursuit of their dreams is not a futile journey, but rather critically essential, in a life valued and lived to the fullest. And we know, as evidenced by all the support we have, that the sight of a child pursuing their dreams has the ability to hold and move people into action.
We have witnessed how a child holding onto hope and reaching out fervently for their impossible dreams, somehow causes other children and people, from all over the world, to reach out to them. Until their hands are joined together, and then, something beautiful happens. They learn that together they can change the world.
Below is only a snapshot of our major projects. We hope to be able to report to you a much fuller picture of what we do. This year, more than ever, we aim to extensively document, monitor, record and evaluate our we work. We are extremely excited by this!
Sophy Project
The Sophy project holds a special place in our hearts. It was the place where Koky’s mother was imprisoned and where Koky was born. Indeed, the sole reason why this project began at all was because the principal of the school and her family saved the Saly family’s lives when they made their escape from Cambodia during the war in the 1970s. The Saly family never forgot them, and they have never forgotten the Saly family. In 2006, at the request of the school principal Koky and Orphfund built a school building on the school grounds. Since then the school has flourished, trees planted years ago have grown and provide fruit for the children. English classes set-up all those years ago, have resulted in children speaking fluent English with ambitious plans to continue their studies and pursue a career beyond anything they imagined possible. Today, BTP works very closely with Sophy village, and based on this relationship of trust, we know that anything is possible. We cannot wait to report on the future as we follow and support the children and school on their journey.
Peam Project
The first school building fully funded by BTP was completed in early 2009. The school was located in Peam Village, located an hour from Siem Reap. As well as fully funding the construction costs for the three class-room building, which is used by up to 300 local children each week for lessons, BTP provided land for vegetable gardens, which are used to feed schoolchildren during school hours and funding for desks, chairs and other school amenities. BTP continues to stay involved with the school, providing ongoing support for teachers and students.
Big Hole/Anlong Kraing Project
BTP’s second stand alone school building project was completed in 2010. The school was located in Big Hole Village, located Kampong Thom. As well as fully funding the construction costs for the three class-room building, which is used by more than 300 local children each week for lessons, BTP provided land for vegetable gardens, and funding for desks, chairs and other school amenities. Like all of its schools, BTP continues to provide ongoing support for teachers and students and local community leaders. In 2010, BTP conducted dance workshops with 60 of the children in the school. This was a beautiful and incredible experience by all involved. It resulted in a short dance video that has helped us engage people across the world and is titled “Life is Beautiful”. It is available for purchase by emailing us: info@babytreeprojects.org
Sambour Secondary School Project
Our latest major project details coming soon.
