Workbook final

220 - Inclusive education for blind or deaf children in Cambodia, Krousar

Thmey, Cambodia

ONTACT

Krousar Thmey

Mr. Colin Rehel

Cambodia

+ 855 (0) 10 37 33 42

VERALL GOAL

MISSION

Our goal through this program is to facilitate the integration of deaf or blind children within the Cambodian society by

providing an inclusive education. The main purpose is therefore to endow them with the same education than others,

strictly following the official school program from kindergarten to high school. Thus, except for the youngest, children

attend public school classes and receive extra lessons in Krousar Thmey schools. They also benefit from adapted

learning materials in Braille and in Sign Language. Furthermore, Krousar Thmey strongly believes that integration of deaf

or blind children within the Cambodian society entails to provide them with an education respecting and valuing the

Cambodian culture. Indeed, the foundation gives access to traditional arts, involves the children families and respects

Khmer customs. This must help them to advance towards an inclusive working life. Krousar Thmey seeks to provide its

beneficiaries with higher education and professional opportunities in very diverse areas. Therefore, Krousar Thmey

focuses also its efforts on raising awareness to highlight the fact that deaf or blind people can study and work in many

different sectors, while accompanying the students with personal counseling. This mission should benefit to as many

deaf or blind children as possible, especially in rural areas.

HE SOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED

Krousar Thmey opened 5 schools welcoming blind or deaf children from kindergarten to grade 12. From grade 3 for

blind children and grade 5 for deaf children, pupils start attending public school every day while benefitting from extra

classes in Krousar Thmey structures. In addition to providing these children with a complete education following the

official school program, Krousar Thmey schools offer dance, music and computer lessons.

Krousar Thmey created the Khmer Braille from the very complex Khmer alphabet. The NGO also imported the American

Sign Language. After creating the Braille Workshop and the Sign Language Committee, Krousar Thmey now manages

these two institutions. The first one is in charge of transcription learning material from Khmer into Braille and to print it.

The Committee targets the enhancement and the diffusion of the Khmer Sign Language, especially by working on a Sign

Language dictionary. It also translates some books or TV programs into Sign Language.