Samaritan’s Purse is helping primary students overcome learning challenges and encounter the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Consonants and vowels on a page often darkened Srey Rat’s outlook. The 12-year-old girl from Cambodia struggled to understand the basic components of reading and quickly fell behind in her third-grade class of 25 students. She fell behind in every other subject as well. Rather than endure her failures and the jeering of her peers, she often would skip classes.
Some days it seemed like there was no hope she’d ever overcome the immense challenge of deciphering the jumble of words when she tried to read. That was until Samaritan’s Purse started the We Can Read and Write Program at her school.
The project instructs teachers in educational strategies and how to be a literary coach for students whose learning is not measuring up with others. Soon, Srey Rat was attending an extra class where she received assistance in understanding the very letters that had tripped her up in the past. A coach also helped her begin to read simple words and sentences.
Through the We Can Read and Write Program sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse, Srey Rat is learning to read and write the alphabet.
“My teacher helps me and other students every day,” she said. “I like learning with her very much.”
As Srey Rat’s literacy improved, she also began catching up in other subjects as well. Now, she attends classes faithfully and on time.
During the We Can Read and Write Program, Srey Rat also heard the Good News and received a Gospel tract. She continues to enjoy listening to and reading the story of Jesus.
Gaining Comprehension
Ratana, 10, is another third grader in Cambodia who had a similar struggle. He was often late to class because of his poor memory and frequent poor health. His teacher longed to see him improve his basic comprehension of phonics, but she did not have enough resources or materials to help him.
Samaritan’s Purse launched a two-year program at Ratana’s school that offered tutoring to children in first through third grade. During a three-month class, Ratana and some of his friends gained greater reading comprehension of letters and short phrases as well as help with spelling.
As her teacher trains her in literacy, Srey Rat is improving in all her other subjects as well.
Through this class and a lot of hard work, Ratana is doing much better with all of his courses. He makes a practice of raising his hand to answer questions in class and even reads letters on the board out loud.
Now instead of being shy at school, Ratana attends classes with a smile on his face! He said, “I would like to thank Samaritan’s Purse and the teachers who helped me learn to read and write.”
Please pray for the ongoing educational initiatives Samaritan’s Purse staff in Cambodia are implementing in Jesus’ Name. Pray that many children like Srey Rat and Ratana would find hope through their efforts—both now and for eternity.
