About Pursat
Pursat is a rural province located in the West of Cambodia. With a dense population of 419,952 and high levels of poverty, Pursat is highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. The damage to crops due to flooding and drought, which have been exacerbated due to a change in climate, means that many children are taken out of school to help on farms or care for younger siblings.
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Project timeline
September 2021
The pilot study was launched in September 2021 at Chambok Meas primary school in Pursat.
8 training sessions were conducted on home gardening and fertiliser production, each with an attendance of 240 students and 8 teachers.
November 2021
Vegetable seeds and garden materials were provided, and fertiliser was produced. A raised bed was put in place and the area fenced.
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20 different types of seeds were germinated and planted.
December 2021
The garden began to look green, and students worked on the garden once a week. More seeds were added to the garden.
Children have taken agricultural skills home to their families and implemented gardens at home. ​
February 2022
The children are able to harvest the vegetables from the garden. The vegetables are then either taken home to their families, or added to their school meals.
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Shading nets, climbing wattle, and internal fencing was added to the garden
September 2022
Rice husk is burnt and mixed with manure to make the soil more fertile.
The pond next to the school was expanded to provide more water for the garden, and reduce dependence on the local well.
January 2023
Grow's Project leader, Romy Taylor, and Publicity Secretary, Antonija Sokic, travelled from the UK to Pursat, Cambodia. The aim was to see the garden at Chambok Meas School in action, and to expand the project to a new school.
Moving forward
Plans are now underway to expand the project to a new primary school called Robong Romeas, Pursat.