Students at Lolei Primary School assisted SCC staff to fence off the school grounds today in an effort to keep tourists from wandering on campus, photographing them in class, and disrupting their education.  The school stands within one hundred meters of the entrance to the 9th-century Lolei temple ruins, which attract hundreds of visitors each day.  While some tourists enter the school grounds to use the toilets, the nearest facilities to the temple, others enter to get a glimpse of everyday Cambodian life.  What tourists don't always realize is that their presence results in daily disruptions to students and teachers, making it difficult for them to focus on their lessons.  

Because of its proximity to the temple ruins, the land on which Lolei school stands is subject to a Royal Decree which prohibits construction, even of a permanent fence, for the purpose of temple conservation.  However, students, teachers, Apsara Authority (the body who governs protected temple areas) and SCC have agreed that a rope with no entry signs is the next best solution. 

In addition to roping off the Lolei school grounds, SCC has taken other actions to address this unique problem.  Discussions have been held with Managing Directors of various tour companies who have repeatedly parked their buses on school property and allowed guests to use the school toilets.  Padlocks have been provided to the school director so that bathrooms can be locked.  And, a proposal has been submitted to Apsara Authority to encourage the construction of appropriate toilet facilities nearby the temple entrance.

While we hope that these efforts result in a reduced number of disruptions for the students at Lolei, SCC recognizes the value of travelers visiting schools and learning about the education-related challenges in Cambodia.  As a result, SCC has recently implemented scheduled school visits.  The bi-weekly visits include a short presentation by SCC's General Manager and a tour of the school led by the school director.  We hope that you will join us on your next visit to Siem Reap!

Tourists photograph Lolei students, interrupting their classes:

Students help SCC staff rope off the school to prevent tourists from disrupting their classes:

Lolei Primary School is roped off to tourists: