We're BUILDING HOPE

It is always a delight to welcome new students to Hope School. Since the beginning of the school year, last August, we have enrolled 70 new students at our Phnom Penh campuses, and 15 new students in Siem Reap. The continued growth in our enrolments is encouraging and reinforces the vital role Hope School plays in supporting families serving in Cambodia.

Over 300 students now attend Hope International School in Phnom Penh, split across our main campus and the newly opened Early Learning Centre (ELC). Our Preschool and Years 1 and 2 students are enjoying this newly rented facility's large outdoor play space and grass, and it is wonderful to see the children's learning stimulated and enriched by greater access to outdoor areas. In the provincial city of Siem Reap our campus doubled its enrolments to start their second year of operations. We also give thanks to God for teachers with hearts to serve at Hope School, and this year we welcome 11 new teaching staff into our classrooms.

The growth of Hope School is exciting, and I always find it encouraging speaking with the families we are serving through the education of their children. They continue to confirm that Hope School is fulfilling its mission to serve missionary and Christian expatriate families working with the people of Cambodia.

80% of our students are from missionary families serving in Cambodia and South East Asia
10% of our students are from Christian expatriate families working with the people of Cambodia
Our students represent 27 different nationalities

To accommodate our growing numbers we have made our rented premises stretch just a little further this year. The provision of the new Early Learning Centre facility has greatly contributed to our ability to enrol more students, with our 80 youngest students moving to this stand alone site two minutes from our main campus. At our main campus we filled in some roof space to create two new classrooms, constructed additional toilet facilities, relocated the library, improved our science laboratory and created more teacher preparation space. But these are not viable long term solutions, and we are spending money on maintaining and improving rented facilities.

To continue to support the growth of world missions in Cambodia, Hope School needs to expand and grow.

The Hope School Board and school community have been praying for a number of years, seeking God's direction and plans. We believe God is leading us forward towards establishing a permanent home for Hope School to consolidate and extend our ability to serve missionary and Christian expatriate families working with the people of Cambodia.

We believe God is leading us forward in BUILDING HOPE.

As we move forward trusting in God’s direction for this school, we continue to lay down our plans, ideas and dreams, and submit them to God. In faith we believe that God will provide for our needs.

We are in the process of finalising a contract with FEBC (Far East Broadcasting Cambodia) for the purchase of land on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. Project architect Paul Robinson and project manager Ueli Sommer are working with a dedicated team of people on the plans and construction costings for a new school.

This is an exciting time, and I thank you for your interest in our school. As you read about the people and mission of Hope School, may your heart be open to the ways God is asking you to respond. You may also like to download our BUILDING HOPE Case for Support document. Please consider registering for our regular praise and prayer updates. Please tell others about Hope School, and please consider partnering with us financially. Your contribution to BUILDING HOPE has a significant impact on the ongoing work of God’s people in Cambodia.

Brent Willsmore

Director
Hope International School, Cambodia