Halfway to Stronger Futures

• Thun Mon remains the largest school with five classes and shows the most stable attendance.
• At Ben Mao, twelve children left in early summer – mainly due to transfers to another school, changed state timetables and family care duties.
• Waves of illness (fever, colds, dengue) reduced attendance in June; teachers integrated health education into lessons.
• The number of classes at Ben Mao will be reviewed in October, as children from grade 7 onwards can no longer participate.

• Thun Mon completed Up and Away Level 1 as well as Oxford Phonics World Levels 2, 3 and 5; Level 1 continues.
• Ben Mao introduced the new Up and Away curriculum and is consolidating existing content before moving to the next book.
• Khna Rong started a new book in two classes; one class repeats the level to secure the fundamentals.
• The Khmer programme focuses on phonics and numbers to strengthen the literacy foundation.

• Informal: teacher questioning in class, classroom observation, whole-class review, oral practice, learning games.
• Formal: monthly tests on letters, phonics, long vowels, vocabulary and grammar, plus written exercises.

Of the 22 children in the alphabet group, only four passed the June test. The class will be repeated in full rather than moving children forward with gaps. Alongside this, small-group support, individual assistance and closer parent communication were agreed. Earlier cohorts of the same group were successful – the measure is targeted, not structural.

• Mandatory supervision template in use, adapted to the Cambodian system.
• Formal teacher supervisions completed at Ben Mao and Khna Rong, Thun Mon in July – with positive results.
• Observed progress: clear classroom rules, well-kept learning environment, new activities for children.
• Identified needs: speaking and writing support, motivating quieter children.

• One teacher at Ben Mao goes on maternity leave in October; recruitment of cover is under way.
• If no experienced replacement is found, a promising junior teacher will be hired and mentored by Phalla and Mr Sarom.
• Team morale is good despite heat and a heavy rainy season.
• Request from the team: a joint retreat or away day for all staff.

• Successful delivery of the teacher development session and introduction of the new curriculum.
• Successful negotiation with neighbouring landowners to restore access to Ben Mao School.
• Full onboarding of the volunteer group, including travel and accommodation arrangements.
• Financial, government and tax reporting consistently up to date.

Phalla is supervised by Robin Konieczny at three-month intervals. The June and July 2026 reviews confirm effective and prudent leadership, stable operations and good relationships with volunteers and the community. Wellbeing and motivation are positive; the arrival of the volunteers has clearly reduced the sense of professional isolation. As support, a three-year plan and assistance with government documents during the next visit by Tina and Robin have been agreed.

• Low-threshold access to books for children who have none at home.
• Reading is established as a habit, not a one-off activity.
• The stock is aligned with teaching levels and therefore usable in lessons.
• NFO positions itself as an education partner across the Takeo region.

• The new Up and Away curriculum works particularly well in combination with the volunteers: the children speak noticeably more confidently.
• The children's behaviour towards volunteers is markedly respectful.
• The recycling project made environmental responsibility tangible.
• Support and accommodation for the volunteers worked well.

• Renewal of government documents, including a change of address if the office relocates.
• Board change: Bernice stepping down, Robin joining – possible via a minuted online meeting.
• Cash flow remains the main budget pressure point for the half-year.

• NGO network meeting in Kampot (30 May) on ministry documents, NGO law and registration – insights shared with NGOs in Takeo.
• NGO meeting on digital literacy and online fraud.
• Meeting with the Takeo provincial administration on 7 July 2026.
• The village authority has expressed appreciation for the NFO programme.