Thursday,
February 6, 2014, Savy my VA and I were scheduled to visit the cluster schools
in Buchi Ri Commune to observe, discuss and identify the needs of the
schools.
As
usual, we had scheduled our meeting during normal school hours and expected, as
usual, to be greeted by children playing outside because not all teachers are, as usual, in attendance. We expected, as usual, to have to phone teachers and
remind them of the meeting or to reschedule.
But
today was VERY unusual! Yes we were still greeted by the children as usual, However, to our surprise Every single teacher in the ‘Primary
Panel’ was present at Kumamekong School. They were waiting for staff from
ACLEDA Bank to arrive at the school to open personal bank accounts for them.
During
the process it was interesting to observe that teachers identified themselves
with a thumbprint rather than a signature. Added to this, I lent one
of the teachers my glasses to enable him to ‘thumbprint’ his documents.
Teachers wanted their photos taken to mark this 'unusual' day. On
the way home, one of the teachers on the back of a motorbike was carefully
reading the bank documents that he was given minutes earlier.
The
teachers were happy that they were being paid directly by the government and
that they would no longer be victims of the mysterious ‘deductions’ they incurred
from their meagre $100/month salary when they were dependent on their
supervisors to obtain their pay.
'Tis
truly a moment to remember ...
'The
reform of payment system of teachers salaries has been stated policy change of
VSO-Cambodia and our Education Advocacy Partners (NEP and CITA) since 2011 so
we are delighted that after two years of research, campaigning and
lobbying this change in now been implemented. This achievement stands as
credit to all VSO - Cuso volunteers and education advocacy partners and
demonstrates how VSO- Cuso International Cambodia can play a role in closing
the circle between national policy and changes in practice and policy which
make a real difference to the lives of teachers and students'. 'Sharing Skills, Changing Lives'
More later ....
More later ....
Please note that all photos were taken with the teachers/directors permission to upload on this blog and on any other website.
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| Primary / Junior Teachers |
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| Thumbprint signature |
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| A helping hand |
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| Carefully reading his 'bank' documents |
