The week of October 1 marked the first week of school of the 2007-08 school year in Cambodia.  To open the week, SCC hosted a ceremony at Svay Dungkum Primary School, re-introducing the organization to community leaders, villagers and students.  Nearly 50 mothers, a few fathers and 150 students turned out to the event, where the village chief, PTA leader, head monk, school director, commune council leader and SCC staff all made addresses.  Entertainment was provided by fifteen Svay Dungkum dance students who performed traditional Khmer dances that they have learned under dance instruction funded by SCC.  It was a sight for all to enjoy, particularly the incoming first-graders who flocked around the performers so as not to miss a move.

On Tuesday, students donned their white-collared shirts and navy blue skirts and trousers and anxiously headed back to class.  Bicycles once again filled the courtyard and the teachers' raised voices could be heard from outside the classrooms.  The children are clearly joyful to be back in class after nearly 3 months of holiday.  And, SCC is clearly happy to see more joyful children than in years past.  Although the final 2007-08 enrolment numbers have not been tabulated, there is an obvious increase in enrolment -- nearly 4 more classrooms worth of students!