Inclusive education for all children: Meet Rachana and her supportive family

Rachana is 7 years old and attends Grade 1 in Popel Kher primary school in Thmarkaul district, Battambang province. She joined primary school after finishing one year in pre-school.

Rachana was born with a cleft palate. She had an operation when she was 8 months old, but she still faces difficulties in speaking and in using her hands.

Rachana’s father Mr. An Poy: “I sent Rachana to join pre-school when she was 6 years old. At the beginning I had to stay with her in class because she wouldn’t stop crying. Other children were curious and stared at her because of her disability. But after about one month, she started making friends she could play with. She can now write and sing songs.”

Rachana poses in front of her classroom along with her father, and the School Director of Popel Kher Primary School, Ms. Choum Chien.

‘Rachana can now write the Khmer alphabets and numbers more smoothly. She’s always happy to go to school in the morning.’ Says her father.

“Rachana is a friendly child. She can now communicate with other children and has friends at school. She’s never absent.” Says Ms Chien, who is responsible for running the primary school which has incorporated inclusive education methods since 2011.

At home, Rachana’s grandfather, Mr. Him Saphan, helps her practice her writing and do her homework. “I always support her in studying but I never force her to do too much. I help her with writing alphabets and numbers.”

While her father and brothers are out working in the field, Rachana stays at home with her grandfather to play and study.

“It’s because of her disability that I think education is even more important for her. Education will help her find a good job in the future.” adds Mr. Saphan who is passionate about education for all children. He serves as a member of his community’s School Support Committee which promotes the enrolment of children in school. “I give information to parents through pagodas and at festivals. I talk to parents and grandparents to convince them to send their children to school.”

Mr. Saphan: “Rachana has me, and she has her father. We both coach her and support her education. Rachana’s older brothers are also doing well in school.”

“When I was young, there weren’t enough schools nor teachers. I went to study at the pagoda, far away from my home. My parents were poor, and my family had no means to support my education, but I wanted to continue.” Mr. Saphan attended up to lower secondary school.

“I like going to school because I like to learn reading and writing and because I like to play with my friend Nasa. Tomorrow, father will take me back to school again!” says Rachana with a big smile after finishing her writing practice with help from her supportive grandfather.