Behind every bright smile that walks through our door each morning is a child taking their very first steps into a world of learning, and for many of our youngest students, REACH is where that journey begins.
Early education is especially vital for a child’s development. Research has shown that children who attend high-quality preschool programs go on to perform better academically and develop stronger social skills. In those crucial first years, children learn to develop foundational literacy and numeracy, socialise with peers and teachers, and begin building habits of routine and independent thinking.
By introducing English language skills at an early age, we give our students a stronger foundation for future success. Furthermore, for families living in poverty, having a safe and supportive place for their young children to learn also reduces the burden of childcare, allowing parents to go to work rather than bringing their children along with them. In this way, our program supports not just the children, but the entire family.
Our Kindergarten program has been running since 2022, and this year we are thrilled to welcome 42 new students to our community centre. Our students range from 4 to 6 years old, and it is a special time in their lives as they begin their learning journey through play & exploration in a safe, stimulating environment. From the moment students join our kindergarten class, they become part of all our programs, ensuring continuous education for up to 10 years, while their families also receive ongoing support from REACH.
In the classroom, students are introduced to the English language, an exciting first for many of them, as some have not yet attended public school, which typically begins at age 5. At REACH, we believe in a communicative language teaching approach, where success comes from using language in real-life situations and building the ability to speak and produce the language naturally. Our teachers work hard, even using body language and gestures, to help young learners understand and keep them engaged.
Our English Curriculum
Our curriculum brings together three enriching areas of learning in a way that is interactive, creative, and age appropriate. In our English classes, students are introduced to uppercase and lowercase letters using the Jolly Phonics method, exploring words beginning with each letter of the alphabet through a mix of workbooks and textbooks. This is complemented by art lessons, where students bring colour and creativity to topics like classroom objects and body parts, sparking their imagination while reinforcing their language learning. Math lessons round out the curriculum, building confidence with numbers, addition and subtraction within 5 and 10, and number fluency up to 20, laying a strong foundation for the years ahead.
Learning at REACH does not happen only in the classroom. In their second semester, our Kindy students take part in our Garden program, where they get the chance to learn about different kinds of fruits and vegetables, how compost is made, healthy and unhealthy food, types of insects and their benefits, types of soils, and the impact of using plastics.
They also learn how to grow flowers, such as marigolds and sunflowers. After enjoying both theoretical lessons and hands-on practice, they have a special opportunity to go on excursions to Angkor Botanical Garden to explore different kinds of plants and animals and get a chance to see the natural world up close.
Each month, students also participate in a Wellbeing workshop covering important topics, such as respect and safe and unsafe touch, helping children build awareness and a foundational understanding of how to care for themselves.
Nutrition and Wellbeing
At REACH, we believe education goes hand in hand with good health, and this starts from the very earliest years. Every day, our Kindy students across the school receive freshly cooked meals with a variety of dishes including chicken, pork, vegetables, eggs, and rice. Our kitchen feeds more than 380 students daily. For young children like our Kindy kids, proper nutrition is essential for brain development, concentration, and the energy needed to learn and grow. After their meal, students are given multivitamins to help supplement any nutritional gaps, particularly important for the little ones whose bodies and minds are developing so rapidly. They also practise healthy habits by brushing their teeth and washing their hands after eating, building the daily routines that will serve them for life.
Previously, our meal was served after the first session of class. However, our teachers reported that their students were struggling to concentrate because many had come to school without eating anything from home. We have since adjusted these to more appropriate times to ensure that students do not feel hungry in class and have enough energy they need to study and play. We believe that the timing of a meal is just as important as its nutritional value.
Our team conducted a meal survey with support from our youth. Friendly and simple questions were used to make sure the children understood, so that we can get accurate answers from them. According to our survey, 57.8% of the morning and 40% of the afternoon students said that they were hungry before coming to class. Moreover, on a scale of 1 to 5, the average hunger level for all students sat at 3.05. We also learned that more than half of our students either never ate before attending class (17.6%), or only sometimes ate prior to learning at REACH (49.3%). These significant findings were what made us decide to change the meal schedule to a more appropriate time, so that the students could fully focus on learning without feeling hungry.
Nutrition monitoring is also a key part of our program. Cambodia has high rates of malnutrition, approximately 37% of children under five have experienced stunted growth, while 7% suffer from severe malnutrition and 36% from moderate malnutrition (UNICEF, 2008). To address this, our Placements Manager, Sokly and her team measure students’ BMI twice a year to identify children who may need extra nutritional support. Those identified receive additional portions of our daily meals and organic vegetables grown by our cook, Thiem.
We also received valuable health support from Catherine, a doctor who visited to assess our students’ health and BMI by checking their eyes, teeth, and ears. Following the check-ups, we found that the majority of our students were healthy, thanks to our nutrition program, while only a few students from each class were experiencing minor health concerns. For students with severe toothaches, we arranged for them to visit the hospital for treatment. For those with earwax buildup, we informed and showed their parents that it could be cleaned at home, and in more serious cases, we accompanied the children to the hospital to receive proper care.
Our Kindergarten program continues to grow and thrive. The curriculum is interactive, fun, and child-centred, and this positive approach means that students genuinely want to come to school. Throughout the day, REACH is filled with small children running with flashcards, participating in spelling bees, singing songs, and laughing together. Seeing their bright smiles as they arrive each morning fills our hearts with joy.
Our Kindy Teacher, Sreyphen understands just how formative these early years are. She believes Kindy education is vital because it is the first time children experience something new outside their home, where they begin building connections with friends and teachers, discovering the world beyond their family, and learning to adapt to new environments. She reflects, “Teaching kindergarten is one of the most fun and meaningful things I have ever done. The kids teach me something new every single day, and they are just adorable and enthusiastic about learning.
Behind every smile, every meal, and every moment of hope, there is a generous sponsor making it all possible for our kids and families. The Kindy program is proudly sponsored by Ian and Deb Hayllor from Queensland, Australia. This wonderful couple has shown tremendous commitment to supporting REACH and its families over the years. From stepping up as our Match Grant Heroes campaign, to pushing their limits on long-distance charity bike rides, and continuously showing up in countless other ways, their dedication to our cause goes far beyond a single gesture. We are deeply grateful to have them as part of our journey to support our children, families, and communities in the fight against poverty.
Join us in making a difference!
At REACH, all 13 of our programs exist to ensure that no child is left behind. Every child has a fundamental right to education and a brighter future. If you’re interested in getting involved, whether through donating, volunteering, or simply sharing our story with someone who cares,
we invite you to visit our website to learn more about how you can make your impact. Click here to learn more about our programs and how you can get involved: info@reachsiemreap.org