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| CCF Programs |
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The CCF Education Program
While the CCF as a whole continues to branch into new projects and new areas, the Education Program remains the ‘nuts and bolts’ of what we do. – and is recognized as being one of the best
school programs in the country.
Many of our CCF students arrive having had little or no education, and are often unable to read and write in their own language. Others have received some learning through the public school system, but due to substandard materials and unsatisfactory teacher-to-student ratios, have been unable to realize their full potential. Our program is designed to reduce those deficits by offering dynamic academic content, and newfound promise and prospects through mentorship and vocational training programs.
CCF Comprehensive Education
All CCF students are involved in the CCF Education Program, including vocational training students who do not attend public school. Intensive English is the major focus of the program, with nearly two hours dedicated to this subject each day. Khmer reading and writing is another major component of the program, as well as math and computer studies -- which include practice in Microsoft Word and Photoshop, as well as internet use for research, and web design for older students.
Students are also encouraged to study art and to express themselves through drawing and painting. Home economics is another core subject in our curriculum, as well as social studies and life skills classes.
Recognizing our children’s progress through prizes, awards and other incentives are big parts of the CCF approach to learning, and kids who are most improved or top of the class receive personalized certificates at the end of each month.
CCF Culture, Sports & Extra-curricular activities
At CCF we support our students in expressing themselves, and finding outlets for their talents and interests. All residential students take dance, drama and music classes every evening, and are likewise encouraged to learn traditional Khmer instruments. We are committed to restoring our children’s pride in their culture and traditions, and though the CCF is a non-secular organization, we also provide optional cultural study with a monk every Saturday for additional lessons in Buddhism and Khmer customs.
Some students follow extra language classes, and the CCF also offers extra-curricular classes in karate, photography, and film graphics. Sports activities take place within the center, and every Saturday the children go to the Olympic stadium to run, play football and jump rope.
Public school integration
All of our children (except those older students enrolled in the full vocational training program) are integrated into the Cambodian public school system. They study Khmer (Cambodian) reading and writing, math, science, and social sciences.
The CCF provides the children with the required public school uniforms and supplies, as well as transport and supervision. We consistently monitor our students’ progress, and hold additional remedial classes for those students having difficulties in reading and writing.
Operation Rescue is a public school integration program designed for children to compress six years of academic schooling into three calendar years. CCF students began participating in the program in December 2006, and continue to be selected based on academic ability and good study records. Our kids our quickly developing into positive new role models with their exemplary results and high-ranking scores.
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Region of Lazio Community Leadership Program
Region of Lazio Community Leadership Program is an innovative and progressive education curriculum that is the first of its kind in Cambodia. The program is designed for students who are smart, articulate and charismatic – children who are demonstrably natural leaders, regardless of their education status or school grade.
With its emphasis on entrepreneurship, human rights issues, social activism and media studies, as well as land rights and community intervention, the goal of this program is to prepare a select group of promising students to enter Cambodian society with the skills, ambition and integrity to become progressive leaders and spokespeople for the emerging generation.
As in all the CCF facilities, students here thrive in an environment that fosters independent thought, and encourages tolerance and self-expression. But the Community Leadership Program strives, in particular, to motivate students to grow as humanitarians, and to further their knowledge and understanding of problems and creative solutions beyond academic curriculum.
To supplement this coursework, inspiring businessmen and women, human rights advocates and community leaders are regularly scheduled as guest lecturers and curriculum advisers.
The core CCF Education subjects are also a part of the Community Leadership Program to ensure the students acquire knowledge and skills in English and Khmer reading and writing, as well math, art and computer studies (from research to applications and programming).
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The CCF Vocational Training Program
In 2007 – 2008, we are expanding and improving our Vocational Training Program and planning our students’ transition into working life. In a country with chronic youth unemployment, low education levels and generally underdeveloped industries, our goal is both a challenge and an opportunity.
This program is invaluable for older children who have come to us with limited schooling, as they are unlikely to finish high school at a reasonable age and go on to higher studies. And while we must take into pragmatic account the realities of the job market, we are also ambitious, and strive to give the kids options and possibilities previously beyond their reach.
In addition to general coursework in English and Khmer reading and writing, students enroll in computer training and life skills classes that cover topics ranging from budgeting and banking, to nutrition and social responsibility.
CCF Training Programs
It is our goal to give our students strong marketable skills and job placements, as well as the confidence to enter the work environment and even set up their own businesses. Ideally our students will go on to set examples in Cambodian society not only as efficient and successful business owners, but as progressive community leaders.
The CCF offers training in areas relevant to Cambodia, as well as finding apprenticeships and placements in existing organizations and training centers. Our in-house vocational programs include cosmetology, sewing and garment design, bread-making and computer studies; while off-site training areas include restaurant management and service, IT and computer maintenance, and biofuel product development.
Future Training Programs
We are also shaping our program to take advantage of this country’s emerging markets in tourism and landscape design, as well as finding centers that offer contemporary approaches to established fields like sustainable agriculture, early childhood care and health care.
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CCF Healthcare Program
The Cambodian Children’s Fund now manages the healthcare, nutrition and medical treatment of over 300 students, as well as extending medical care to our children’s families and CCF staff.
Upon admission to the CCF, each child is given a complete physical – including eye tests and dental checks – as well as vaccinations, and medical treatment for any existing conditions. New arrivals who suffer from malnutrition are placed on a course of multi-vitamin supplements to boost growth and recovery, and to help correct deficiencies.
Many of our students arrive with considerable health problems, particularly those children who have previously worked as garbage pickers at Steung Meanchey. Chronic illness and dangerous infections are the direct result of the hazardous waste and unsanitary living conditions found there, and much work is needed to get these children back on track.
Lice, scabies and intestinal worms are prevalent in the Steung Meanchey district, as are more serious diseases like hepatitis A and B, tuberculosis, and HIV. Children suffering from these illnesses receive the best specialist diagnoses and treatments available, and within each facility receive closely-monitored care in a safe, supportive environment.
Every CCF facility provides the children with 24-hr access to in-house health care, counseling, and twice-weekly visits from a medical doctor to assess any problem cases. Urgent conditions are immediately transported to an area hospital.
Pathway to adulthood
This young adult course gives students the information they need to navigate safely and responsibly through their teenage years and into adulthood. Classes are designed to be culturally-sensitive, and are taught to small groups in an honest, and openly-communicative environment.
Community Health
Over two-thirds of the CCF children once lived and worked in Steung Meanchy, and the CCF is expanding its support to the community by developing a family center where residents can receive free basic first aid and post-natal care. Through a unique partnership with HOPE Worldwide, these families are for the first time receiving free medical treatment, counseling and health education via a twice-weekly mobile medical clinic.
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Our thanks to the Anthony Robbins Foundation, Dr. Dean Ornish , and the Karan Weiss Foundation for their invaluable support of the CCF.
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The Cambodian Children's Fund is a U.S.-registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization no. 20-0764162. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. The organization is also registered with the State of California and the Kingdom of Cambodia.
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