Update from ITDF on Schools in Kree Mo Kee (KMK) and Kraw Lur Blur (KLB)

Children were standing outside the classroom and staring at our visiting team with exciting faces. Our team was told that the students were very excited and happy to see outsiders visiting their school. Their remoteness indicates how they were happy to meet outsiders, especially those who visit their school. 

The ITDF monitoring / evaluation visit to KLB and KMK schools was conducted on 10 September 2020. Three parents from KLB and four from KMK were interviewed. The interview questions were based on the parents’ perspectives on their children's education. Most interviewees are females because the males went to work daily for farming. Obviously, the parent's perspectives on their children's education is more likely positive when comparing with past years as they have come to see the importance of sending children to school for higher education.

Kraw Lur Blur

When interviewing the three parents from KLB School, all of them expressed that they would send their children to higher grades as much as they can and hoped that their children would have better futures and jobs. Two of the parents interviewed have been sending their children to KLB school for many years. Some children graduated grade 2 from KLB school and continued to higher grades in a nearby village school, while some continued studying at MoOhJo (MOJ) school. All three parents also mentioned that opening grade 6 would help them to stay with their children, because their children would not need to study far from home at a young age. Moreover, parents also told us that their children really enjoy attending school.

Apparently, the relationship between parents and teachers is very good as one parent mentioned “I like the teachers because the teachers are very kind. They help us when we need help especially when my child was severely sick”. From what one parent mentioned, it shows that the teachers are kind and supportive to parents and students. Parents also like the special events, especially Mother’s Day at school and church. Parents were helping teachers to prepare meals for this special event, which also strengthened relationships between teachers and parents. In addition, the three parents said that they are happy and willing to contribute their support and labor for school development activities, improving the school compound and buildings.

One of the things the parents requested was a dining facility for their children. Throughout the interview, it seems that parents are very happy with the school. Two would like to send messages to sponsors, one expresses their gratitude to sponsors, saying “Thank you for sending very good teachers to our school. Our children really like to study with these teachers”, while another one requests ongoing support, she said, “I would like sponsors to continue support for this school”. 

Kree Mo Kee

Like KLB school, the parent's perspectives on their children's education at KMK are the same. The four parents said that they would like to send their children to continue higher education so their children could have a better future and job than the parents. One parent said, “I would like my children to continue higher grades so they will have a good job which is better than growing corn”. Education is becoming the main priority for parents. As KMK school is located near a government school, most parents plan to send their children to the nearby village’s school after KMK.

Regarding school development activities, the parents voluntarily contribute their support and labor work to activities, helping to improve school buildings, the school environment and compound, such as cutting the grass. Parents have also requested school dining facilities and housing for the teachers.

At the end of the interview, the parents expressed their happiness as their children are able to access education in the village. Two parents expressed their appreciation and thankfulness to sponsors saying “We're so glad that you are helping our children for education". One parent also expressed “Thank you for helping children, we would like you to continue support for this school”.