Aid to the Cambodian Elementary School

Since 2003, a group of Yokogawa retirees has played a central role in supporting an elementary school in Cambodia. Below is a small part of their work:

A note from Mr. Ogiso (Rokumaru Ikasu Club Elementary School tour group leader), a Yokogawa retiree:

We started a club called "Rokumaru Ikasu Club" with those of us who joined Yokogawa Electric Corporation in 1960, after high school. In reaching the mandatory retirement age, we, the Rokumaru Ikasu Club, rallied together to build an elementary school in Cambodia, in honor of our colleagues and the many who paved the way before us, and to mark the beginning of an enjoyable latter half of our lives. With donations from 46 voluntary contributors and the help of World Bank, the elementary school building was complete in October, 2003. It is located 140 km southeast of Siem Reap, known for the remains of Angkor Wat, in a remote village that has no electricity or running water.

In January 2004, 16 members from the Rokumaru Ikasu Club were warmly welcomed by students and their guardians at the school's opening ceremony. After we returned to Japan, we set up a fund to continue our support. With contributions from various people, we have been able to continue our support and visit the elementary school every year. So far, our contributions have given this school bookcases, along with 100 folk tale books, swings, slides, and other play equipments. In addition, our contributions also gave the school its front gate, which is an important symbol for any school, a kitchen shack and a well for students who are not able to eat breakfast before coming to school.

In 2009 and 2010, we held an athletic event where we joined the students in exercising and other games and activities.

Since the Cambodians speak Khmer, communication with the students was initially challenging; however, after spending some time interacting with them, the students have become more outgoing, often running to us with big smiles. We taught them simple Japanese phrases like "ohayou (good morning)", "konnichiwa (hello)", and "arigato (thank you)", and helped them establish a regular cleaning routine after school. I am hoping to continue in my involvement as long as I physically can. It has been quite energizing just to look at the children's beautiful smiles and sparkling eyes. (March 2010)

Classroom Interactions

The members of the Rokumaru Ikasu Club performed on the harmonica in front of the students. They also taught them greetings in Japanese, performed songs and dances, and showed them how to make a kite, origami, and paper airplanes. The students also shared their culture by performing Cambodian songs.

Making Curry Rice

Mothers from the neighborhood brought pots to make curry together. When the meals are served, the students swarmed around the food (they must not be accustomed to lining up to get served), but this has never led to any accidents or quarreling.

Athletic Event

The sight of the students playing tug of war and basketball was exactly like watching kids in Japan. All students seemed eager for their turns, and there were always more players on the field than initially planned.