Speech

Remarks by Ambassador Joseph A. Mussomeli, Inauguration of Sam Relief, Inc. JSM Schools

Koh Sotin, Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia
August 6, 2006

It is a pleasure to be here to help inaugurate this new school built by the U.S.-based, non-profit organization Sam Relief, Inc.

Of course we would not be holding this celebration without the dedication and hard work of Sam Relief's founder and president, Mr. Sambonn Lek, and the generosity of Mr. Clifford Laughton, whose financial support made this construction possible.  So I would like to begin by congratulating them on their accomplishment and commending them for their efforts.

This school fills a void in an area that lacked enough schools to meet the needs of the local population.  It will afford more children access to education, a vital link toward their own future prosperity as well as that of their families.  More than 506 students in grades 1 - 6 are already enrolled and studying hard.

The ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes said that "The foundation of every state is the education of youth," and this is particularly true of Cambodia's current situation.

During the Khmer Rouge era, Cambodia's educational system was destroyed and educated people were targeted for death.  But now after years of civil war, peace and stability have returned to this country, allowing Cambodians to rebuild their society.  But the country cannot prosper, unless and until there is a good educational foundation.

Education is vital in strengthening Cambodia’s most important resource—its people. Basic education represents the foundation on which all else is built. Without improvements here, it will be difficult to encourage community involvement, promote democracy, improve social indicators and provide the skills that Cambodia needs to compete regionally and within the global economy.   As Thomas Jefferson once observed: Educate "the people .., and tyranny and oppressions … will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day . . . ."

To help build this foundation, the U.S. government will spend approximately $15 million over a five-year period to improve basic education in this country, focusing on curriculum development and teacher training efforts.

But official U.S. government assistance to Cambodia is not enough.  It is also thanks to many private American citizens and charitable organizations -- such as Sam Relief, Inc.  They contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to help build schools in Cambodia -- such as the one in front of you – and they provide school children with needed supplies, and they help train teachers.  Additionally, many Americans volunteer their time to come to Cambodia to help teach, especially in the field of English education.

The school that you see before you is more than bricks and mortar – it is a testimonial to the commitment of ordinary American citizens to furthering Cambodia’s development.

With Cambodians and Americans working together, we have made tremendous progress, and while there is still more work to be done, this school is but one example of the fruits of our partnership.

Thank you.