In ancient times, what is now Cambodia was a powerful and culturally-advanced society. Not so anymore...the communist Khmer Rouge regime killed most intellectuals and educated people in the late 1970s, leading many Cambodians to this day to have an irrational dread of education. The country is now one of Southeast Asia’s poorest areas. A local volunteer team has been working to help children there study and gain hope for the future. Mike Balfour has more.
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Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat was built with astronomic measurements to mimic the gods in the universe and it shows the Khmer’s perception of astronomy.

However, in contrast to the strong ancient civilization, Cambodia is now one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia.

There is a tragic history behind the poverty.

More than 2 million, or one fourth of the country’s people, were murdered between 1975 and 1979.

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After mass killings of intellectuals, some Cambodians fear education

The then communist regime arrested and eventually executed almost everyone suspected to have connections with the former government or with foreign governments, along with technicians, professionals and intellectuals.

After the tragic events, the Cambodian people have fear of education.

지도 cg-in

This is a small border village, 5 hours by a car from Siem Reap, Cambodia.

A few years ago a volunteer team from Jeju arrived to try to make a difference.

[ 이팩트 교사 수업 장면 4~5초 ]

Members of the team built a high school and boys and girls are able to get an official education. Students now have dreams.

INTERVIEW
Srau / Sophomore, Geumgang High School
I couldn’t go to school before because it was too far from my house. But I can now take classes here near my house.
[인터뷰 쓰라우 / 금강고 2학년 ]
"이전에는 학교가 멀어서 다니지 못했는데 지금은 집 근처에 생겨서 공부하러 잘 갈 수 있어요. "

INTERVIEW
Sra / Freshman, Geumgang High School
I’m studying hard and want to be a teacher.
[인터뷰 스라 / 금강고 1학년]
"공부 열심히 해서 선생님이 되고 싶어요."

Less than 30 percent of Cambodian teenagers enter high school on average. But here, in this outback town, more than half go to the high school.

The helping hand did not end with just education.

The volunteer team have drilled water wells in the drought-stricken town and provided medical services to help adults as well as kids realize their dreams.

INTERVIEW
Sin Yeong-min / Rotary International Zone 3, District 3662
We have built schools for the village because we firmly believe education is essential for national development.
[인터뷰 신영민 / 국제로타리 3662지구 3지역 대표 ]
"나라가 성장을 하려고 해도 배워야 기틀이 돼야된다는 생각에 학교를 지어주게 됐습니다."

Following the high school, the team built a middle school and donated it to the town. The Cambodian local government appreciates the donation and asks for continued interest.

INTERVIEW
Oum Mara / Governor, Preah Vihear Province
We appreciate the Koreans’ help in building the schools and drilling wells.
[인터뷰 움바타 / 캄보디아 쁘레아리히 주지사 ]
"한국 후원님들의 학교 건립과 우물 지원 사업에 감사를 드리고 있습니다. "

[reporter]
Mike Balfour

The inspiring team of volunteers is helping to turn the page on a national tragedy and start a new chapter in Cambodia’s future.

Mike Balfour KCTV