Dream Catcher Foundation
Scalettastrasse 19, P.O. Box 61
7270 Davos Platz
+ 41 (0)81 410 03 39
The twentieth project of the Dreamcatcher Foundation in Cambodia is the construction of the following primary school:
Phnum Krapeu Primary School, Krapeu Cheung Village , Phnum Krapeu, Banan District,
Battambang Province, Cambodia
The community and those responsible for the project are in agreement, and nothing stands in the way of the new building.
The old, dilapidated building is already being demolished...
Project description:
Despite growth in the tourism sector, Cambodia remains one of the poorest and least developed countries in Southeast Asia, ranking 148th out of 193 in the 2022 Human Development Index, which takes into account education, health and income. Development in the country is uneven, with many rural communities still affected by poverty due to corruption and vested interests that hinder progress.
The village of Krapeu Cheung in Banan District, Battambang Province, is one of many disadvantaged areas in the region. Although the area is relatively safe from crime and free from landmine risks, it is occasionally hit by natural disasters. The villagers rely exclusively on rice cultivation, seasonal crops and manual labour, which leads to unstable and low incomes. This economic uncertainty contributes to the slow development of the village, prompting some residents to migrate to other areas in search of better job opportunities.
Founded in 1962 within a pagoda complex, Phnum Krapeu Primary School is currently attended by 326 pupils from four nearby villages: Krapeu Cheung, Krapeu Tbong, Krapeu Kert and Samnanh. Although the school has received support from various external organisations in the past, the buildings have fallen into considerable disrepair over time. The school currently consists of two buildings, both of which are considered unsafe. The first building is made of concrete and comprises seven classrooms, but has serious structural defects, including cracks and sunken floors.
The second building, a wooden structure with five classrooms, is at high risk of collapse, especially during rainfall. Despite these structural defects, the classrooms continue to be used due to lack of space, which is an extremely dangerous situation for the children. To meet this urgent need, a new school building with seven fully equipped classrooms will be constructed to replace the concrete building, as well as four new toilets.
The second wooden building is being renovated by the municipality and is therefore not included in this project proposal. These new facilities will provide a safe and supportive environment for the children's primary education and help to lay a solid foundation for their lifelong learning and development.
Implementation:
As with all our projects, the local community will play an active role in the construction process. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and long-term responsibility for the school's success. Community members will contribute by assisting with important tasks, including providing labour for earthworks, demolishing the old school building, installing electrical systems, planting trees, and helping to organise the school's opening after construction is complete.
Payments will be made in instalments according to the progress of construction, with 5% of the total cost retained for 6 months as a quality assurance guarantee.
We consider this to be a low-risk project as the school is accessible all year round. However, as the first phase of construction coincides with the rainy season, some delays are to be expected. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-August 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of December 2025.
Mid September 2025
Progress is being made on laying the foundations. The weather is good and the concrete can be poured without any problems...
Mid of October 2025
Things are progressing rapidly here. Construction phase III has already been completed.