Noranda Primary School has a sister school in Cambodia through the Angkor Project. Our sister school is Ang Serey Primary School in the province of Kampong Speu. We fundraise to provide students and staff in our sister school with working toilets, water on school grounds and in the future play equipment.

Benefits for Noranda Primary students:

• Students develop positive values about the needs of others.
• Students learn the benefits of cultural diversity.
• Senior students can take leadership roles in fundraising and learn entrepreneurial skills, knowledge of another culture and way of life.
• Students engage in meaningful service learning.
• Students use skills and knowledge in real life situations, extending their learning beyond the classroom.
• Allows the opportunity for a whole school focus that includes involvement with the wider community.

In 2024 we held a second hand toy sale to raise funds for our sister school. In 2025, with the help of our School Board and 8ball Global, we held a fun afternoon filled with water. We had a foam party, water ballon games and relays. Our students contributed donations and we also had a raffle. We have raised over $2000 for our Ang Serey PS so far. In 2025, we have seen our donations be put to good use with our sister school now having working toilets for all students and staff, and a water tank for drinking and washing.

Background of the Angkor Project:

During the Khmer Rouge revolution (1975-1979), the education system in Cambodia was destroyed through the elimination of teachers, school administrators and the accompanying infrastructure. It is only since 1998 that restoration of the system has begun to take shape. Cambodia is the poorest country in Southeast Asia. The Angkor Project began in 2006 as a partnership between the Department of Education WA and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport Cambodia with the intent to work together to benefit children and staff in both WA and Cambodia.

Education in Cambodia

There are many contributing factors that affect education in Cambodia. These include:

• Insufficient classrooms resulting in schools having to implement shifts during the school day.
• Approximately 70% of schools do not have safe drinking water or adequate toilets.
• Schools have limited access to electricity.
• High class sizes averaging 55 students per class.
• Lack of preservice trained teachers and administrators.
• Low salary levels for school staff.
• Very few teaching resources