Building Schools, Changing Lives

For many children around the world, the opportunity to go to school does not exist. Long and treacherous journeys to the classroom and lack of resources keep kids from reaching their full potential. In Cambodia, Samaritan's Purse is working to construct schools and get young students a quality education. This gives Samaritan’s Purse a platform to share the Gospel in some of the most remote corners of the nation. Over the last 15 years, Samaritan's Purse has built schools in places like Cambodia, Burkina Faso, Vietnam, and South Sudan. These brand-new schools are equipped with everything necessary to give kids a safe environment where they can learn and grow. On a recent trip to Cambodia, our podcast correspondent, Stephen, had the chance to see some of these new schools in villages throughout the country. First, host Kristy Graham talks with Cambodia Country Director Barry Jessen along with correspondent Stephen. Jessen describes how much these schools are needed, as some are structurally unsafe. The new school buildings are intentionally designed and are equipped with modern whiteboards, tablets, a library, and comfortable furniture. So far, Samaritan’s Purse has built 43 schools in Cambodia with more currently under construction.

“We work in the areas where no one else will work.” – Barry Jessen

Listeners hear directly from local staff in Cambodia, school principals, and even a student. While talking with the local staff member, Stephen heard about the great impact the school will make on his community.

During his visit to the rural elementary school, Stephen also spent time talking with the principal. He learned that she had attended the same school as a child and that she was excited for this new building Samaritan's Purse is constructing for her growing population of students.

“It is important to have a good school because when we have a good school, it is going to attract the student to come to learn.” – Principal Loure Kimthon

Stephen also got to visit a school that Samaritan's Purse recently built. He talked with a grade nine student who expressed her love for mathematics, reading storybooks, and her dreams for the future.

Samaritan’s Purse is also able to provide schools with state-of-the-art science, technology, engineering, and math resources. These tools give students and teachers new opportunities that they may never have otherwise received.

Finally, Stephen had a conversation with a school principal whose life was forever changed. The principal became a Christian through the school construction project when a Samaritan’s Purse local church partner shared the Gospel with him. This led to a spiritual awakening in his village as students and teachers made decisions for Jesus Christ.

Since so many people have been saved, the village began running out of space for people to worship. Samaritan’s Purse began construction on a new church for this growing body of believers.

Education is a gift and we cannot take it for granted. These school construction projects in Cambodia are a means to remind these young people of who God says they are.

Please pray for the principals and teachers as they share the Gospel and lead these school communities. Pray for the students in Cambodia and their futures. And finally, pray for the Samaritan’s Purse church partners in these villages.