PROJECT TIMELINE:

GROUND BREAKING:  We estimate that breaking ground would happen in October, giving us 3 months, which would coincide with the end of the wet season. This would give time for consultation, concept design, detailed design and tendering/award of contracts.

BUILD TIME: We estimate 3-4 months for the construction, it could be faster but it depends on many factors not least Covid-19 and the competence and numbers of workers that we can get from the area and bring in if needed.

PROJECT PAYMENTS: Our usual approach of paying 40% 30% 30% would be acceptable to all involved.

The original project proposal can be found here  https://www.indigochildrensfund.com/chobkam-ploeng-primary-school

SITE VISIT IN THE WORDS OF OUR REPRESENTATIVES ON THE GROUND:

"First and foremost, I'm very impressed with the students, staff, and the community as a whole. One never knows what to expect in some of the poorer areas of Cambodia, but both Ta and I felt this a small but tightly knit community of farmers are good people. The community is in a gorgeous location in the rolling fields of Cambodia's northern highlands approximately 80km north of Siem Reap. The road, Hwy 66 (from Siem Reap to Anglong Veng) is paved and easy to drive. The village is accessible by a dirt road and is about 10-15 minutes away from Hwy 66. 

I was very impressed with the teachers (pictured). There are a total of 4 male teachers. One teacher is certified by the Ministry of Education. The town leader or administrator, Yourn is also pictured with the 4 teachers. 

The school was originally built and occasionally helped by an organisation called The New Era Cambodia Organisation from Australia. I found their Facebook page and called their listed number. Mary Gallagher, the head of the organisation, told me they were involved for 14 years.

Because of her age, she has mostly closed down her project and they unregistered as an NGO in Cambodia last April. She was delighted to hear there is a possible interest in helping Chabkam Ploeng. She spoke very highly of the community and especially the head of the community, Yourn. She said he's one of those rare leaders who gives 110% to their community. Both Yourn and Mary told me about their connection separately and their stories match. 

The people are all farmers. Many of them work in Thailand during the dry season. Potatoes are their main crop. There are about 150 families with 90 students attending the school. All of the students were not present because of the ongoing COVID issues. 

The land is owned collectively by the community. A pagoda is next to the school. Toilets exist on the property. They work, but they're in the same condition as the school. The original structure has a cement foundation and is built of wood. They had no opposition to demolishing it, but it might make sense to build next to it and keep the original structure for some other purpose. The land is located high on a hill and drainage is not an issue. There is a wooden bridge that one has to cross to access the school. It can hold an SUV but I'm not sure if it could hold a cement truck."

THE SURROUNDING AREA AND EXISTING TOILET BLOCK