Educational Development for Children

Educational Development for Children is a church-based educational support program for

children, targeting those children who are poor, falling behind or struggling academically

in public schools. The program also provides a safe place to live for poor young students

from remote rural communities. The program seeks to improve learning outcomes for these

children and to encourage them to pursue a higher level of education to give them a better

future for themselves and the generations to come.

A). Supplemental Class Teacher Equipping

Supplemental class teachers are mostly church leaders with a limited higher education;

however, they have great passion for the kingdom of God.

To equip and strengthen these teachers to be effective in teaching and reaching out to children,

IHOPE provides “teaching method” training and monthly meetings with all teachers to share experiences and discuss problem solving. Through these meetings and

discussions, they are continually improving their teaching skills.  

B). Primary Education

This is a church-based teaching program that provides supplemental classes to children in communities, especially those who are falling behind their grade level at

public school. The main teaching subjects are Khmer Literature and Mathematics, which follow public school curriculum, however English is an optional teaching

subject based on the available human resources and actual needs. Community churches have built great relationships and trust with nearby primary public school

in order to continue the program. Many students from public schools who have been referred to our churches for this program have observed great progress.

C). High School Dormitory

High School Dormitory is also a church-run program that provides safe and convenient accommodation to poor young students from remote rural communities to

enable them to pursue their high school study. At this level of education, the drop out rate is extremely high because many students do not have the resources to

travel and live far away from their family homes. The high school dormitory builds the bridge for students, enabling them to pursue education with strong motivation

and hope for a brighter future. There is a small library within the dormitory which promotes a habit of reading, research and a love for learning.

The studying progress of students has been closely followed up by leaders to help keep each student accountable. In addition to students being helped

and encouraged to pursue their education, different activities are established to grow their faith and nurture their relationship with God.

These include Bible study, prayer and worship meetings and volunteering to serve in ministry. House chores are assigned to encourage them to learn life

skills, and teaching on self-esteem and leadership training are also conducted to help build confidence among students which paves the way for them to

become good future leaders.

D). Student’s Parent Approach

Meeting with student’s parents or guardians occurs regularly to help them understand the importance and value of their child’s education. It also helps them

understand that their serious participation and good parenting really make a big difference in the effectiveness of their child’s study. So, churches will need to

regularly meet with all children’s parents or guardians, and at times conduct home visits directly to learn more about their obvious needs and how we can help

them.