Cambodian Organization for Research,
Development and Education — CORDE

Emerging from the shadows of war to build centers of peace

Social Transformation through Education

CORDE (the Cambodian Organization for Research and Development) began in 1994 with the objective of facilitating the transformation of communities through the education of individuals. This organization was created in response to the destruction of Cambodia during the previous years of political, social and economic turmoil. Because rural schools are almost non-existent, the program evolved from a women's literacy program to children's tutorial classes. Community Centers of Learning (CCLs) were established as the numbers of children's classes grew. Currently, there are nine CCLs with the goal of creating many more.

The free classes given at the CCLs are informal and are open to everyone in these rural communities. In these simple structures, sitting on plastic furniture, students write on individual chalkboards, learning English, math, and moral and character development. Upon graduation, some students go on to become teachers themselves by taking courses at UniED, a nascent university under CORDE's umbrella. Others volunteer at the CCLs, and still others go to the government high school to get their diploma.

Additional Programs

CORDE is creating two new programs to meet the needs of the community. One is the more formal development of community schools. In very remote areas, CORDE will provide the building, training, curriculum and the teachers, while the community will supply the land for the school and room and board for the teachers. The second program being considered is a tuition-based kindergarten in villages at a small $2.00 per child/per month fee. With the continued creation of more CCLs, the establishment of the university and opportunities for children of all ages to learn, CORDE is making a significant contribution to restoring hope and trust in Cambodia’s next generation and providing them with the education they need to become the change agents in their own communities.

Needs for 2009

• $30,000 Build 5 more Centers of Learning
• $11,500 Maintenance for 5 new Centers of Learning

How You Can Help

Please contact us or send your tax-deductible contributions to:

Mona Foundation
218 Main Street, Suite 404
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 743-4550
Email: monafoundation@monafoundation.org
Online: Contribute Online with your Credit Card Here

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