COLT - Non-formal Education

Many of the children arriving at COLT have no education at all, or were in school only very briefly. COLT does not operate a formal school itself, but we conduct informal education to (re)integrate the children in a state-run school. We offer many subjects, including basic subjects like Khmer literacy, English and arithmetic. COLT also wants to improve the children's self-esteem and confidence. That's why education subjects also include self-improvement, social knowledge, morality and child rights.

Pre-school
There are pre-school classes for children between 5 and 7 years old. This provides their parents with an opportunity to earn a living while their children are being taken care of. At the same time, COLT works on strengthening the child's emotions through learning by playing. This proves a good basis for children to attend primary school.

Catch Up Course

Children between 7 and 13 years of age who have never been to school or only very briefly, can enroll in our Catch Up Course. This is a 1-year course, in which they will be prepared for re-integration at grade 3 to 5. Of course this education is tailored to the specific needs of the child. After completing the CUC, the children usually successfully re-integrate into a state-run school.

Literacy and Vocational Training
This program is mainly aimed at girls without education and unable to re-integrate into primary school. COLT provides them with literacy and vocational training. First, we develop basic and functional literacy skills, including English lessons. Then we enroll them in one of our vocational training courses of Sewing or Beauty & Hairdressing.