Local man’s campaign builds school in Cambodia

Edward (Eamon) Conway originally from Co. Mayo, now living in Creagh, had on his bucket list of places to visit; the mighty “Angkor Wat” temple in Siem Reap in Cambodia. After visiting the vast beautiful country of Cambodia, he wanted to help this country get on its feet once more.

On one such trip, he was introduced to Mr. Sean Samnang. Mr.  Samnang - the founder & president of Aspire Training & Education, which is a school and an orphanage for the poor, homeless and orphaned children in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. ASPIRE has 96 students who are learning with the aid of free education, they’re providing 24 hours care for 20 children.

He recognised the urgent need to help the many destitute and orphaned children in the country. This situation was brought about because Cambodia’s education and health care systems were completely destroyed during the Khmer Rouge Genocide and due to two decades long civil war.

The mission aims to give the children basic education. Then later to be transported to the bigger schools for further education. They provide three nutritious meals per day, protection, adequate healthcare and education for orphans or those living in extreme poverty. They receive lessons in Khmer, English, Computer skills, Art and Gardening.

Their ages range between 5-16 years old. It runs for 5 days (25 hours per week), from Monday to Friday, with a morning session from (8:30 am – 10:30 am) and afternoon session from (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm).
​
Previous to helping build this School, Edward (Eamon) had raised money for numerous Water Wells in the remote areas of Siem Reap, Cambodia as clean water is also a problem in this region.

To gather funds for the build he organised events such as a Table Quiz, which was enhanced by two Brazilian ladies Angie and Josi who wore their national costume and they certainly brightened up proceedings as “they went down a storm”. This was followed by “A Family Fun Run Day” held at the Fellowship Church here. A Coffee/Tea & Cake day, was held at Eamon’s house that was very well supported by all the area.

The last event arranged was a star-studded Concert in November 2019 with fabulous guests, such as the Cill Aodian Choir, Christina and John O’Flynn, Ukephoric Ukulele band. Hein Ensemble and the Concannon girls. This event was held in the local Town Hall, sadly a man that helped immensely, sadly passed away, namely Pat McGovern RIP.

As (Eamon) says “it’s not just my pet project, but it's also too many others who have helped in the advertising, donating, selling tickets and even the sponsorship of events. Lastly supporting the events with their presence”.
​
Other funds came through continued fundraising on Facebook, this proved to be hugely popular in getting the project off the ground. Lastly by private donations from people which were also received.

Mr. Samnang would like to say a big thank you to Edward (Eamon) Conway and all other subscribers  for the huge amount of money – over €16,000 to build the three classroom School and is aptly named (The Irish School Building) for the children of Aspire in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

If you wish to get involved by volunteering at the School, you can either contact Mr. Sean Samnang directly at: www.aspirecambodia-edu.org or email Eamon at [email protected]
 
Donations are still urgently needed, to keep the School open, If you wish you can contact Edward (Eamon) Conway, for more details, contact him on his Mobile: 086 8972776.  You can also click here to access the Go Fund Me page
                 
This need for money is due to the pandemic, as the school has suffered badly. As no volunteers are going out to the school or to teach there, also to bring money out which is welcomed.
 
Its vitally important we keep this School open with funds during this time – THANK YOU ​