Thanks to the hard work of Glenbrook resident Doug Frewer, students at the Bush School in Cambodia have a much brighter future.
Mr Frewer and his late wife Christine set up the school nine years ago, and to keep it operational, ongoing fundraising is required.
The annual variety concert for the bush school will be held on Saturday, April 13 at St Finbar's Church Hall, Glenbrook, at 7.30pm. The lively musical evening includes acts by Blue Mountains Musical Society from their latest production The Wedding Singer, Spooky Men's Chorale, Mudlarks Choir, and February Consort recorder ensemble.
Mr Frewer said students now have a basic computer room and essential lessons in their native Khmer language, as well as tuition in English and maths.
"The children attend classes kindergarten to grade 9 and come from the very poor communes near the famous Angkor Temple complex in Siem Reap. Many are orphaned or with a single parent, and some have families battling chronic illness or disability and without a breadwinner," Mr Frewer said.
"Bush School prevents vulnerable children from missing out on education, as many in the past have done when begging at the temples."
The students gain a good, basic education, which then allows them to progress to year 12 at government schools, some then entering university.
The school has five qualified Khmer teachers and extra staff who prepare several nutritious meals for the students each week.
Mr Frewer recently returned from visiting the school and said the children were happy, well cared for, and learning important life skills.
But all this requires considerable funding. An art show was held recently in the old market area of Siem Reap and raised valuable funds for the school. "We thank the Blue Mountains artists who generously donated their work for the display and sale; their contribution is gratefully acknowledged," Mr Frewer said.
Tickets are on sale now to the upcoming variety concert in Glenbrook at $25 per person, $45 per family. Supper is by gold coin donation. Bookings are recommended to Doug on 4701 5459 or 0403 303 943. See also: bushschoolcambodia.com
