Ravy Leang-Slattery knows the difference an education can make to children living in Cambodia’s poorest province, Prey Veng.
As a child growing up in the area, Ms Leang-Slattery watched her mother make endless sacrifices and sell all her chickens so her daughter could attend school in the country’s capital, Phnom Penh.
Her sacrifices and the help of charities allowed Ms Leang-Slattery to get an education, learn English and eventually go to university.
Now living in Hoppers Crossing with her husband, Wayne Slattery, Ms Leang-Slattery is hoping to help other children achieve their goals.
The Slatterys have set up a trust to build and fund a school in Prey Veng.
It will give 200 students the opportunity to learn English and computer skills, giving them a chance to secure jobs in Phnom Penh.
Without the extra education, they would be forced to work on their families’ farms, which Mr Slattery says are getting too small to be viable.
“There are no chances for students to get training in English and computer skills. This could help them get employment in the city.”
The trust needs to raise $30,000 to fund the school, which Mr Slattery hopes to open next year. The couple have bought land for the school and will travel to Cambodia in July to start the building process. They have been working on the project for about 18 months.
To help raise the funds to build and open the school, Mr Slattery has organised a trivia and auction night with the help of Altona North Bowls Club.
>> The event is on June 28, from 6.30pm. Tickets cost $25 and provide a two-course meal, an auction and live entertainment.
>> To attend or donate auction items, call Mr Slattery on 0408 583 723.
