unPublic School

School is school, right? In Cambodia private schools seem to abound. Two in particular we noticed are run like a chain of fast food restaurants, there's almost one in every district. By private school we're talking 20 to 30 dollars a month. Very little by North American standards but unaffordable for the average Cambodian. So, public school, that would be the logical option.

The Cambodian government is 'committed' to have having every child in school. But there's a problem. Public school teachers are paid about $40 US per month. Now I used to be a teacher, and I can tell you there is no way in...well you get what I mean. The government, apparently, thinks their teachers, the people entrusted with educating the future leaders of their country, should live in poverty. Other professionals suffer this consequence too. How does this affect the children? Students are extorted money from their teachers in public school. Hmmm, just imagine Mrs. Zuckerman demanding a loonie from all her students in the morning. Ridiculous.

Now, I'm not relaying first hand experience, but talking with various students, teachers, and other locals there is no doubt that this is taking place widely across the public school system. I've heard of extremes, such as teachers mocking, ridiculing and failing students who don't pay. Anything to make them uncomfortable enough not to come to school unless they can pay. Others have said this money is for extra tutorial sessions only, but that didn't seem to be the consensus.

So, you must be wondering, "How much?" How much does it costs to send a child to public school? The answer: 200-1000$ riels per day (see "If I Had a Million Dollars" for money matters). That's 5 to a whopping 25 cents to go to school per day.