One of the major objectives of BETT is to improve access to education in targeted areas in Siem Reap, Otdar Meanchey and Kampong Cham. 522 classrooms (representing 106 buildings at 85 sites) have been built during the first phase of the project (from October 2003 through June 2007). During the consolidation phase another 110 classrooms (representing 26 buildings) have been constructed.
After each campaign lessons learnt were integrated into the innovative school design. This approach allowed BETT to:
- develop a cost-efficient design;
- improve the comfort of the users;
- limit the environmental impact of the construction;
- take gender specific issues into account.
The scope of the activities has not been limited to the construction of classrooms only. BETT aimed at improving the whole school environment. Depending on the local needs hygienic toilets, canopies, offices and teacher accommodation were added to the school. Special attention was given to classroom furniture, built-in cup boards, exhibition panels and provision of safe drinking water.
BETT, the school directors and the Provincial Office for Education jointly developed master plans for each school integrating existing buildings, new buildings and future extentions. Agreements between the project and the communities ensured further development of the school compound on completion of the construction works. Communities are taking responsibility for planting trees, developing recreational facilities, digging solid waste pits, and to some extent the creation of agricultural production areas.
School sites have been selected on the basis of objective and pre-defined criteria. Priority has been given to the most needy areas by defining the optimum number of classrooms based on the present and future needs. A custom-based methodology and a software programme have been developed to assist the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports in this task.
Teacher training facilities In addition to the construction of school facilities for primary and lower secondary education, the project focused on the upgrading of the Provincial and Regional Teacher Training Colleges of Siem Reap and Kampong Cham. A number of existing buildings were rehabilitated, while new ones were built to accommodate an increasing number of students.
Capacity development Without strong capacity development and a maintenance programme the construction of new school facilities is not sustainable. Considering the limited technical capacities of the different actors, BETT developed a series of training modules targeting community representatives, Provincial and District Authorities, school directors and local contractors. These training modules, adapted to the background and education levels of the different stakeholders contributed to an increased overall quality of construction works and supplies, as well as to the self-confidence of the different stakeholders.
In addition to capacity building an ambitious maintenance program was set up. The programme included technical training on small repairs for buildings and water facilities, management of maintenance and repairs at school level and the provision of spare parts.
