Ma Sopheavy

Senior Project Facilitator, FIDR Cambodia Office

In Hun Sen Meanchey High School, sounds from chimes extended over the school area, signaling a break time. Beneath the shade of a tree, The Nutrition Education and Promotion Project (NEPP︎) team was walking with a group of students, hearing them talk about “Shokuiku Day”, an unforgettable event they had participated in together last year.

During that event, the Active Student Group (ASG) of Hun Sen Meanchey High School was in charge of a “Recycled Product” booth and a performance of “Food Safety”. It was their first experience organizing such a big event. The preparation process was challenging, but when they saw participants enjoying themselves and praising them, all their exhaustion faded away.

Recycled products booth

Performance of “Food Safety”

“It’s unbelievable! All recycled products were sold out that day.” A student exclaimed with a happy voice. The group smiled, and another student proposed / suggested an idea “Khmer New Year is around the corner. Why don’t we arrange another small event to promote nutrition and waste management in our school?” All students enthusiastically agreed.

The students reached out to FIDR for support in planning activities. We were delighted to hear that ASG intended to organize another school event. We conducted training to introduce ideas for event planning and to assist students in developing the activity plan. As a result, ASG decided to promote healthy food by selling traditional cakes, Khmer noodles, fresh fruits, coconut juice, soymilk, and other items. To raise awareness of waste management, they planned to showcase recycled products and set up recycling bins at the event. 

ASG presented activity plan for Sankranta Day

With a month to go before “Sankranta Day”, that is the Khmer New Year Party at school, students spent their weekends collecting materials such as bamboo, rope, and thatch in their community. During break time and after school, ASG led other students to recycle plastic, set up booths, and decorate their schools. 

Finding materials in community

Decorating schools during break time and weekends

However, taking on the role of a leader was not easy. ASG leader shared, “There was little involvement from other students”. While some students did not recognize the importance of the school event, others chose to participate in another major event in the district. This led to a shortage of man power for preparing booths, decorating the school, and purchasing necessary materials.

To address these problems, ASG asked for support from the school principal, who assigned some teachers and students to assist them. They also sought help from their parents when they did not know how to cook Khmer food, such as Khmer noodles and traditional cakes. Furthermore, ASG consistently kept FIDR staff informed with regular updates on their progress, including any challenges encountered and the solutions implemented.

Finally, on April 6, the school celebrated “Sankranta Day”. Many people joined,　including teachers, students, community members, and FIDR staff. It was an opportunity to strengthen relationships among teachers, students, and the community, while promoting Khmer culture, healthy nutrition, and proper waste management. The activities included a solidarity meal, Khmer traditional dances, performances, and classic games.

Khmer traditional dance (Trot dance)

Classic game (Hitting the clay pot)

ASG booths were set up next to the school entrance. They were surprised to see people already gathering around the booths before the food was even ready. The booths attracted many people who not only purchased healthy foods but also admired the recycled products displayed nearby. “Khmer noodles are very tasty! Can I buy some to take home?” one auntie asked happily. Moreover, right next to ASG’s booths, we also organized a booth with interactive games to promote the Cambodian Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG) and nutrition topics.

ASG’s booth

Recycled products display

The Sankranta Day highlighted ASG’s potential as they demonstrated strong teamwork, creativity, and a sense of responsibility. Unlike Shokuiku Day, this time they organized the event independently with limited support from FIDR. Moreover, the school remained clean during the event since ASG managed waste by placing trash bins throughout the venue, labeling them by type, and adding attractive stickers to encourage participants to dispose of waste correctly. 

Students were playing nutrition games at FIDR’s booth

FIDR staff and ASG on Sankranta Day

“I never liked events because there were always too many people. However, this experience changed me. After being part of the event, I became more confident and came to understand the joy of unity and shared success in a team. Plus, this was also an opportunity for me to learn about the world beyond my comfort zone. I definitely want to do this again next year.” - A member of ASG.

A school event is not only about celebration, but also about creating an opportunity to unleash the potential of both educators and learners. Their achievements enable parents and community members to recognize educational benefits and feel happy to continue supporting the schools.