October 2010
Chreb, left, with two other CFI students
Back to school . . . . for the first time!

Sixty-six children proudly showed off their new white-and blue school uniforms on their first school day in early October. For 26 of them it was the first time they have ever gone to school. The other 40 children returned after dropping out many months or even years ago.

Since the opening of the center in February, CFI's staff was able to locate these children and help them get caught up in CFI’s literacy and math classes. Some older children very proudly entered directly into grade six after having studied for only seven months in their life.

Chreb, an 11-year old girl, has been a CFI-student for seven months. When we first met her, she didn’t know the correct word for ‘yes’. Raised by her grandmother, she had to look for food in the ricefields every day. Now she’s studying in grade three in public school. When asked what she likes best about school she says, with a big smile: ‘EVERYTHING!’

See more photos of CFI's proud new students on our Facebook page!

 




Profile of a Volunteer: Fong, CFI’s self-declared hero

When 15-year old Fong started studying with Andrew and Jenny almost three years ago, he spoke no English and had never touched a computer. In addition to his impressive painting skills, he quickly became one of the best English students, and later, the star computer student.

Fong has grown to be one of CFI’s most dedicated and capable Khmer volunteers, spending all his free time at the center. Today, he has surpassed most of the staff with his English and computer skills and even created CFI’s first 5-minute documentary.

Coming from a poor family and having lost his mother at the age of ten, Fong would never have been in a position to develop the vital, employable skills he has learned with CFI. He exhibits leadership, compassion and dedication, which is what CFI is striving to instill in all our students. Fong is why we are here, and a shining example of what an impact CFI is making.

Watch Fong's video here



Huge thank you to CFI Volunteer Maya Tucker for hosting another successful event!

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First Trip to the Dentist for 24 Nervous CFI Kids

Paul, an Australian dentist, donated a day to treating CFI’s children. For all 24 of them, it was the first time ever at a dentist’s office. Most of them had no idea how to sit on that strange chair.

In a full-day marathon, Paul miraculously treated all 24 children - pulling teeth, filling cavities, cleaning teeth and waiting patiently for scared children who were considering running.

CFI Co-Founder Jenny Ciucci was his translator and the official hand-squeezer for the nervous kids. At the end of the day the tears and fears were forgotten as the children went home to show off their beautiful smiles.

Check out other recent CFI news here

www.childrensfutureinternational.org
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