Schools in Cambodia!

Non-Formal Education Program for Mainstreaming Disabled Children in Cambodia

Case Study: Student Activities

Click on the following links for further information about this case study:

1. Design and draw a diagram that illustrates the variety of factors that keep disabled children in Cambodia out of school. Highlight on the diagram (in another colour), possible solutions which could prevent or eliminate these factors.

2. Why would it be important within the project to have physically disabled teachers at Salla Lavalla? In pairs, develop a list of arguments supporting the employment of disabled teachers at the school.

3. As well as the longer school hours, what other suggestions would you make to the school administration to ensure that the children successfully complete six years of primary schooling in two - three years?

4. Develop an enrolment form for students entering Salla Lavalla. What types of information would be needed about the students when they enrol at the school in order to ensure the school best serves the needs of each individual student?

5. Contact organisations in Australia to find out more about the special needs of physically disabled students, especially those children who require wheelchairs for mobility. Why might meeting these needs be difficult to accommodate in Cambodia?

6. Originally, the Salla Lavalla project never intended to have a residence for the students to board at the school. In small groups, consider the variety of reasons why almost 50% of the school's students now live at the school. Present a summary of your discussions to the class in point form.

7. Divide into small groups. You are members of a team from the Cambodian Ministry of Education visiting Salla Lavalla. The ministry is considering replicating this school model in other parts of Cambodia ie. setting up similar schools. What measures of success will you be looking for in the school?

8. Last year, students in Marist Brothers schools in Australia financially supported Salla Lavalla with the purchase of two second hand mini-buses. Why would the purchase of mini-buses be a priority for the school?

9. Once students complete their time at Salla Lavalla they will attend regular schools or vocational training centres. What difficulties might they encounter regarding mobility within these schools or centres? Undertake an evaluation of your school or parts of your school (as a mainstream school) regarding wheelchair access for physically disabled people. Draw a floor-plan giving areas and or facilities a 0-4 star rating. Suggest improvements.

10. Write a newspaper article for the Phnom Penh Post which discusses the right of disabled children to have an adequate education.