Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Battambang (Agenzia Fides) – Monday 7 June was a day of rejoicing at Don Bosco School in Andaung Cheng. In front of 250 people, teachers and pupils, Mgr. Figaredo Alvargonzález, S.J., Prefect of Battambang, blessed new classrooms in the school which serves a village of 700 families situated not far from Battambang. The Salesian fathers first came to this area in 1999 to provide schooling for children of families working in the local brick making industry and rice fields. In poor rural areas government schools, open to all children, are overcrowded and only children whose families can pay a fee entry are accepted. Lack of schooling means unemployment and micro-criminality.
The non formal Salesian school system has three goals: reduce poverty, eradicate illiteracy and guarantee education for all children. Until recently classes were held in the open air under the trees and in a building with a tin roof. To guarantee equal opportunities for poor children the Salesians in Cambodia collected funds with the help of benefactors in the Netherlands and obtained permission to construct a two story building with 12 classrooms. The Centre's motto, FISH, represents the school's identity. Father Leonard Ochoa, the director, explained: “We are building a real Salesian Centre, a home and family, a church and playground, a place of Friendliness, Integrity, Solidarity and Harmony”. (AP) (11/6/2010 Agenzia Fides)
