Map of Cambodia. Photo State.gov image:36218:0::0

Rachel Rosenfeld, 17, started this new school today in Cambodia amidst her American family and Cambodian villagers. The school R. S. Rosenfeld School is named after her. The school has five computers and Internet access for 300 primary school students in a small village, Srav Khvav of Siem Reap province, home to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex.

She did learn about the poverty and hardship of the children in this village from a local newspaper article last year. She was horrified to hear that many young girls end up being prostitutes. So, she decided to raise money to start a school there and educate the children.

While she started collecting donations to relieve their sufferings, she had to endure hardships herself; she suffered from stomach disorder almost all of last year and couldn’t attend classes because of it.

But despite the setback, she sent out fundraising letters, sold T-Shirts and offered naming rights for several structures in the building. She collected $52,000 and in addition received $10,000 from the World Bank. Also Asian Development Bank contributed $13,000 toward the Rosenfeld’s project.

Rachel spoke today to the Associated Press about this project:

It makes me feel great to know that I was able to help so many people…Just seeing everyone so happy (today). It meant a lot to me."

The local children wearing the Cambodian School uniform, white shirts and navy pants welcomed her and her family when they arrived for the school opening. She was accompanied by her parents, grandparents and her brother and sister.

Rosenfeld in her speech encouraged the children to aim high and said the following:

If I could build this school, then each of you can set goals for yourselves that you can reach."

Ung Serei Dy, an education official from Siem Reap province, was very happy with Rosenfeld’s efforts and said that this school is very important for the future of the community.