Despite challenges that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic the project has progressed well. The laboratory has been prepared for and is successfully breeding flowers for planting. The vegetable plantation has also been prepared and the farm has been successful in raising a range of animals such as fish, frogs, chicken, ducks, cows.
Phnom Voah Update
Project Code: CBPT-1200049 | Project Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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About the project
Saint Francis Private Technical High School is located in Takeo province and is one of the leading technical high schools in the country. The school’s main focus is educating the students in two specific areas: agriculture and tourism. Students are also taught computer and English language skills.
It’s a unique experience studying at the school; the students are provided with free education which also includes meals, uniforms, books and other documents.
Partnering with schools in other countries, the students also have an opportunity to be involved in international study tours, where they exchange knowledge and experience.
This project aims to support St Francis in its mission to equip students with employable skills through practical, hands-on experience. Phase 2 is a continuation of the initial project with a focus on the construction of greenhouses for the growing of flowers and the continued development of the germination program.
The objectives for this project include:
- Expanding the fields and the overall size of the farm.
- Constructing and establishing a laboratory and processing rooms for flower germination.
- Continuing to develop and evaluate teacher training and capacity.
- Continuing to develop the students’ knowledge and capacity.
Important updates
COVID-19 impact
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, students could not participate in internships with other companies or schools this year. Thankfully, the School was still able to arrange many study tours for students to visit and do real practice at the Phnom Voah Farm. Teachers were also encouraged to join any workshop or training that could be offered during the lockdown period, to continue their professional development.
Animals in stock
The project has had great success in frog raising. Starting out with just 12 pairs, there are now more than 500 pairs of parents’ frogs and more than 1300 frogs are ready to sell to the markets. Other animals currently stocked include 30 hens and 60 chickens, 50 ducks, two cows, 1000 catfishes, and 1000 pangasius fish. The farm has also planted many types of vegetables in and outside the net houses, plus five hectares of rice.
Stories from the ground
Rathana, a staff member who works in flower plantation and a former Agronomy student, he was sent to study about flower plantation for 6 months in Vietnam. “During my six months of study in Vietnam the school spent a lot of money to support the whole flower study. In this flower study mission, I gained experiences and skills to apply and share to the next generation. After graduating I have applied my skills to plant flowers at the School. At the same time, I have the opportunity to continue to study at University. I am grateful for the opportunity to develop myself, family and society as a whole. I look forward to repaying the school through my hard work.”
Challenges
During this pandemic, it has been challenging to send students for the study tours or internship due to travel restrictions. As a compromise, the School decided to allow students to visit the farm and gain hands-on experience. The farm, while having an irrigation system, it still faces problems with water shortage. There was also a rainstorm that destroyed the vegetable plantation. While these issues are proving challenging, the School is working to address them. The restaurant is now fully equipped and had started selling produce and meals however it has had to close due to COVID-19 restrictions.