Projects and Reports 

New Futures Organisation (NFO) Annual Report 2024

Overview

New Futures Organisation (NFO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality education and support to children in rural communities in Takeo, Cambodia. Throughout 2024, NFO remained steadfast in its mission, operating three schools—Ben Mao, Thun Mon, and Khan Rong. This report details the educational initiatives, community engagements, and financial expenditures from January to December 2024, highlighting our activities and impact.

Educational Activities

Teaching and Learning

NFO continued to operate three schools, delivering 12 classes to an average of 250 students aged 5 to 13 years. The curriculum focused on three main subject areas: English language phonics, reading, writing, and speaking; Mathematics; and Khmer language reading and writing.

Khnarong School

• Location: Khnarong village, Boeng Tranh Khang tbong commune, Samrong District, Takeo Province

• Distance: 17km from NFO center

• Teacher: THUN Rachana (replaced by Norn Vibol from September to November for maternity leave)

• Classes:

• • 2:00-3:00: Phonics2 Khmer textbook grade 4 (16 pupils)

• • 3:00-4:00: Phonics1 Khmer textbook grade 1 (28 pupils)

• • 4:00-5:00: Phonics1 Khmer textbook grade 2 (36 pupils)

• • 5:00-6:00: New Intermediate Headway (4 pupils)

Ben Mao School

• Location: Ben Mao Village, Roka Kroav Commune, Daun Keo Town, Takeo Province

• Distance: 8 Km from NFO center

• Teacher: TEP Samnang

• Classes:

• • 1:00-2:20: Phonics3/ Khmer textbook grade 1 (26 pupils)

• • 2:20-3:40: Phonics4 (17 pupils)

• • 3:40-5:00: Reading and speaking (17 pupils)

Thun Mon School

• Location: Thon Mun Village, Roka Khnong Commune, Daun Keo Town, Takeo Province

• Distance: 10 Km from NFO center

• Teacher: Hong Sreypov

• Classes:

• • 1:00-2:20: Phonics2 and Khmer textbook grade 1 (24 pupils)

• • 2:20-3:40: Phonics4 and Khmer textbook grade 3 (25 pupils)

• • 3:40-5:00: Super kid and Khmer textbook grade 5 (19 pupils)

Student Engagement

Total number of students: 258

• Monthly Tests: Students sit for monthly tests, mid-term tests, and final tests before advancing to the next level.

• Certificates: Students received certificates upon completing their course books in May.

• Student of the Month Awards: In June, awards were given to students who demonstrated good performance, helpfulness, punctuality, creativity, and hard work.

Special Events and Celebrations

• Khmer New Year Celebration: In April, children celebrated Khmer New Year by preparing food from home and offering it to monks. They had lunch together and participated in traditional games and dancing.

• Award Ceremonies: Students were recognized for their achievements and good behavior with certificates and awards.

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Volunteer Program

NFO welcomed volunteers from Right to Smile (Malta) and Germany during this period. These volunteers played a crucial role in supporting the teachers, planning lessons, and engaging with the students through various activities.

Volunteer Contributions

• Teaching Assistance: Volunteers helped teachers with lesson planning and classroom activities, enhancing the learning experience for students.

• Hygiene and Environmental Awareness: Volunteers conducted hygiene programs, teaching students about the importance of cleanliness and environmental care.

• Recycling Lessons: Students learned about recycling and its benefits through interactive lessons.

• Trips and Events: Volunteers organized a trip to Kep beach and Kampot for grade 6 students, providing them with a memorable experience outside the classroom.

Volunteer Highlights

• Paula and Berta: Spent three weeks at Ben Mao school, assisting with teaching and organizing activities. They also funded a tooth hygiene program and treated the children to an ice cream day.

• Mariah: Volunteered at Thun Mon school, helping with teaching and classroom activities. She also conducted a tooth hygiene program and provided each child with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Building Maintenance

Maintaining the school buildings is a continuous challenge due to the climate. In 2024, several improvements were made:

• Electricity and Fans: Installed at Ben Mao school to provide a more comfortable learning environment.

• Repairs: Volunteer Jacobe from Right to Smile fixed plumbing issues, painted wood to prevent insect damage, and replaced plastic walls to protect from rain.

Plans for 2025

NFO has outlined several plans for the upcoming year:

• Vacation: Three weeks in December for lesson planning and classroom preparation.

• Student Assessment: Monthly, mid-term, and final tests.

• Teacher Training: Conducted three times per year to enhance teaching skills.

• Parents Meeting: Scheduled for April 2025.

• Materials Needed: Textbooks, workbooks, and student supplies for February 2025.

Here are the key challenges faced by New Futures Organisation (NFO) in 2024:

1. Climate Impact on Buildings

• The climate posed a continuous challenge for maintaining the school buildings. Issues such as broken pipes, insect damage to wooden structures, and the need for protective measures against rain were recurrent problems.

2. Teacher Availability

• Ensuring consistent teaching staff was a challenge, particularly with maternity leaves requiring temporary replacements. For example, THUN Rachana was replaced by Norn Vibol from September to November.

3. Student Attendance and Engagement

• Maintaining regular student attendance and engagement was crucial. Teachers had to gather information on student absences and ensure students were motivated to attend classes regularly.

4. Resource Limitations

• Limited resources for educational materials and classroom supplies were a challenge. The organization needed to provide textbooks, workbooks, and other materials to support effective teaching and learning.

5. Volunteer Coordination

• Coordinating volunteer activities and ensuring they were effectively integrated into the teaching process required careful planning and management. Volunteers played a significant role, but their short-term presence necessitated continuous adaptation.

6. Financial Constraints

• Managing financial resources to cover salaries, rents, maintenance, and other operational costs was a constant challenge. Ensuring sufficient funding through donations and managing expenditures effectively was critical.

7. Compliance with Local Regulations

• Meeting local charity requirements and maintaining compliance with government regulations involved administrative efforts. This included submitting necessary documents to the Ministry of Interior and the Takeo Department of Tax.

Volunteers played a crucial role in supporting New Futures Organisation (NFO) throughout 2024. Here are more detailed insights into their roles and contributions:

Teaching Assistance

• Lesson Planning: Volunteers collaborated with teachers to plan lessons, ensuring that the curriculum was effectively delivered. They helped set clear objectives for each lesson and prepared teaching materials.

• Classroom Activities: Volunteers actively participated in classroom activities, assisting with teaching phonics, reading, writing, and speaking. They engaged students through interactive and fun learning methods.

• Student Support: Volunteers provided individual attention to students who needed extra help, ensuring that all students could keep up with the lessons.

Hygiene and Environmental Awareness

• Hygiene Programs: Volunteers conducted hygiene awareness programs, teaching students the importance of personal hygiene. They organized activities such as tooth hygiene programs, where each child received a toothbrush and toothpaste.

• Environmental Care: Volunteers educated students about environmental conservation. They conducted recycling lessons and activities to promote environmental awareness among the children.

Community Engagement

• Cultural Exchange: Volunteers from different countries brought diverse cultural perspectives, enriching the students' learning experience. They shared their cultures and traditions, fostering a sense of global community.

• Events and Celebrations: Volunteers helped organize special events and celebrations, such as Khmer New Year and award ceremonies. They contributed to making these events memorable and enjoyable for the students.

Infrastructure and Maintenance

• Building Repairs: Volunteers assisted with the maintenance and repair of school buildings. For example, Jacobe from Right to Smile fixed plumbing issues, painted wood to prevent insect damage, and replaced plastic walls to protect from rain.

• Classroom Enhancements: Volunteers helped decorate classrooms, making them more conducive to learning. They worked with students to create a welcoming and engaging classroom environment.

Extracurricular Activities

• Field Trips: Volunteers organized and supervised field trips, providing students with opportunities to learn outside the classroom. For instance, they arranged a trip to Kep beach and Kampot for grade 6 students.

• Sports and Games: Volunteers introduced and facilitated sports and games, promoting physical activity and teamwork among students.

Volunteer Highlights

• Paula and Berta: Spent three weeks at Ben Mao school, assisting with teaching and organizing activities. They funded a tooth hygiene program and treated the children to an ice cream day. They also helped decorate classrooms and engaged students in various learning activities.

• Mariah: Volunteered at Thun Mon school, helping with teaching and classroom activities. She conducted a tooth hygiene program and provided each child with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Mariah also engaged students in painting and coloring activities.

Training and Development

• Teacher Training: Volunteers participated in teacher training sessions, sharing their knowledge and teaching techniques. They helped train local teachers on how to apply games in lessons and teach effectively.

• Skill Development: Volunteers contributed to the professional development of teachers by introducing new teaching methods and strategies. They provided feedback and support to help teachers improve their skills.

Volunteer Coordination

• Orientation: Volunteers were oriented to the three village schools and their roles. They were briefed on the local culture, school environment, and expectations.

• Integration: Volunteers were integrated into the school community, working closely with teachers, students, and staff. Their contributions were aligned with the school's goals and needs.

Overall, volunteers were an integral part of NFO's operations, bringing valuable skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm to the organization. Their contributions significantly enhanced the educational experience for students and supported the overall mission of NFO.

Volunteers had a significant and positive impact on the students at New Futures Organisation (NFO) in several ways:

1. Enhanced Learning Experience

• Individual Attention: Volunteers provided additional support to students who needed extra help, ensuring that all students could keep up with the lessons. This individualized attention helped improve students' understanding and performance in various subjects.

• Interactive Teaching Methods: Volunteers introduced interactive and engaging teaching methods, making learning more enjoyable and effective. Activities such as games, role-playing, and hands-on projects helped students grasp concepts better.

2. Improved Hygiene and Health Awareness

• Hygiene Programs: Volunteers conducted hygiene awareness programs, teaching students the importance of personal hygiene. Programs like the tooth hygiene initiative, where each child received a toothbrush and toothpaste, promoted better health practices among students.

• Environmental Awareness: Volunteers educated students about environmental conservation through recycling lessons and activities. This helped instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

3. Cultural Exchange and Global Awareness

• Cultural Exposure: Volunteers from different countries brought diverse cultural perspectives, enriching the students' learning experience. They shared their cultures and traditions, fostering a sense of global community and broadening students' horizons.

• Language Skills: Interaction with volunteers helped students improve their English language skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. This exposure to native speakers was invaluable in enhancing their language proficiency.

4. Increased Motivation and Engagement

• Encouragement and Support: Volunteers provided encouragement and support, boosting students' confidence and motivation. Their presence and positive reinforcement helped create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment.

• Special Events and Activities: Volunteers organized special events, trips, and extracurricular activities, making learning more fun and memorable. Events like the ice cream day and trips to Kep beach and Kampot provided students with enjoyable experiences outside the classroom.

5. Positive Role Models

• Inspiration: Volunteers served as positive role models for the students, demonstrating the value of education, hard work, and community service. Their dedication and enthusiasm inspired students to strive for their best.

• Mentorship: Volunteers offered guidance and mentorship, helping students set goals and work towards achieving them. This mentorship was particularly valuable in fostering students' personal and academic growth.

6. Enhanced Classroom Environment

• Classroom Decoration: Volunteers helped decorate classrooms, creating a more welcoming and stimulating learning environment. This made the classrooms more conducive to learning and helped students feel more comfortable and engaged.

• Resource Provision: Volunteers provided essential resources such as textbooks, workbooks, and classroom materials. This support ensured that students had the necessary tools to succeed in their studies.

7. Community Building

• Community Engagement: Volunteers engaged with the local community, building strong relationships with students, teachers, and parents. This sense of community fostered a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

• Parental Involvement: Volunteers' activities and programs often involved parents, encouraging greater parental involvement in their children's education. This strengthened the connection between the school and the community.

Overall, the presence and contributions of volunteers had a profound and lasting impact on the students at NFO. They not only enhanced the educational experience but also promoted personal growth and a sense of global citizenship among the students.

Feedback from the students

The feedback from students about the volunteers at New Futures Organisation (NFO) was overwhelmingly positive. Here are some key points based on the students' feedback:

1. Engaging and Fun Learning

• Interactive Lessons: Students appreciated the interactive and fun teaching methods introduced by the volunteers. They enjoyed the games, role-playing, and hands-on activities that made learning more engaging.

• Creative Activities: The creative classroom activities, such as painting, coloring, and crafts, were particularly popular among the students. These activities allowed them to express themselves and learn in a playful manner.

2. Personal Attention and Support

• Individual Help: Students valued the individual attention they received from the volunteers. This extra support helped them understand difficult concepts and improve their academic performance.

• Encouragement: The encouragement and positive reinforcement from volunteers boosted students' confidence and motivation. They felt more supported and inspired to do their best.

3. Cultural Exchange

• Learning About Different Cultures: Students enjoyed learning about the volunteers' cultures and traditions. This cultural exchange broadened their horizons and made them more curious about the world.

• Language Practice: Interacting with volunteers helped students practice their English language skills. They appreciated the opportunity to improve their speaking and listening abilities.

4. Health and Hygiene Awareness

• Hygiene Programs: Students found the hygiene programs, such as the tooth hygiene initiative, very beneficial. They learned important health practices and received essential hygiene supplies like toothbrushes and toothpaste.

• Environmental Lessons: The environmental awareness activities, including recycling lessons, were well-received. Students became more conscious of their impact on the environment and learned how to take care of it.

5. Memorable Experiences

• Special Events: Students loved the special events organized by the volunteers, such as the ice cream day and field trips. These events created lasting memories and added excitement to their school experience.

• Field Trips: The trips to places like Kep beach and Kampot were highlights for many students. They enjoyed exploring new places and learning outside the classroom.

6. Positive Role Models

• Inspiration: Students looked up to the volunteers as role models. They admired their dedication, kindness, and enthusiasm. The volunteers' presence inspired students to work hard and pursue their goals.

• Mentorship: The guidance and mentorship provided by the volunteers were highly valued. Students felt they had someone to turn to for advice and support.

7. Improved Classroom Environment

• Classroom Decoration: Students appreciated the efforts of volunteers in decorating the classrooms. The improved classroom environment made learning more enjoyable and comfortable.

• Resource Provision: The additional resources provided by volunteers, such as textbooks and workbooks, were greatly appreciated. These resources helped students in their studies and made learning more effective.

Overall, the students' feedback highlighted the significant positive impact that volunteers had on their educational experience. The volunteers' contributions not only enhanced academic learning but also promoted personal growth, health awareness, and cultural understanding among the students.

Volunteers at New Futures Organisation (NFO) faced several challenges during their time in Cambodia. Here are some of the key challenges they encountered:

1. Cultural and Language Barriers

• Communication: Language differences sometimes made it difficult for volunteers to communicate effectively with students, teachers, and community members. Although many volunteers had some knowledge of the local language, misunderstandings could still occur.

• Cultural Adaptation: Adjusting to the local culture and customs required time and effort. Volunteers had to be sensitive to cultural norms and practices, which could be different from their own.

2. Resource Limitations

• Teaching Materials: Limited access to teaching materials and resources posed a challenge. Volunteers often had to be creative and resourceful in developing lesson plans and activities with the available materials.

• Classroom Supplies: The lack of basic classroom supplies, such as textbooks, workbooks, and stationery, made it challenging to conduct lessons effectively.

3. Environmental Conditions

• Climate: The hot and humid climate in Cambodia could be physically demanding for volunteers, especially those not accustomed to such conditions. This sometimes affected their energy levels and overall well-being.

• Infrastructure: The condition of school buildings and facilities, such as inadequate ventilation and occasional maintenance issues, added to the challenges. Volunteers had to work in environments that were not always ideal for teaching and learning.

4. Health and Safety Concerns

• Health Risks: Volunteers had to be mindful of health risks, such as tropical diseases and foodborne illnesses. Ensuring proper hygiene and taking preventive measures were essential to staying healthy.

• Safety: Navigating local transportation and ensuring personal safety in unfamiliar surroundings required vigilance and caution.

5. Emotional and Psychological Challenges

• Homesickness: Being away from home and loved ones for extended periods could lead to feelings of homesickness and loneliness. Volunteers had to find ways to cope with these emotions while staying focused on their work.

• Emotional Impact: Working with children from disadvantaged backgrounds could be emotionally challenging. Volunteers often formed strong bonds with the students, and witnessing their struggles could be heart-wrenching.

6. Adapting to Local Teaching Methods

• Teaching Styles: Adapting to the local teaching methods and educational system required flexibility. Volunteers had to align their teaching approaches with the existing curriculum and practices while introducing new techniques.

• Classroom Management: Managing large classes with varying levels of student ability and behavior was a challenge. Volunteers had to develop effective classroom management strategies to maintain a conducive learning environment.

7. Coordination and Integration

• Role Clarity: Understanding their roles and responsibilities within the school setting was crucial. Volunteers needed clear guidance and support to integrate effectively into the teaching team.

• Collaboration: Building strong working relationships with local teachers and staff required effective communication and collaboration. Volunteers had to navigate different working styles and expectations.

8. Sustainability of Impact

• Short-Term Presence: The temporary nature of volunteer placements meant that ensuring the sustainability of their impact was a challenge. Volunteers had to focus on creating lasting benefits for the students and the school community within a limited timeframe.

• Continuity: Ensuring continuity in programs and activities initiated by volunteers required careful planning and coordination with local staff.

Despite these challenges, volunteers at NFO made significant contributions to the organization and the students. Their resilience, adaptability, and dedication helped them overcome obstacles and create a positive impact on the community.

         And finally

We hope you will be able to support us to deliver on our aim to fight poverty through education.

European directors -  Bettina Friedl, Robin Konieczny are volunteers and did not take any fees or expenses in 2024. Bettina and Robin are visiting the project in February 2025.