The knowledge economy
Like many children in Cambodia, Puthea* learned from a young age that good grades don’t come cheap.
Before leaving for school, the grade 3 student collects lunch money from his mother along with a bribe he pays to his teacher in exchange for what should be a free education. …
“When I get to school, the teacher comes to the table to collect the money,” which amounts to 1,000 riel, or about $0.25, from each student, Puthea, aged 9, said earlier this week.
He explained that with the exception of students whose families are impoverished and financially supported by local NGOs, all of his classmates are required to pay the daily fee. …
While the government is this week celebrating the success of sweeping reforms to the grade 12 national exam, interviews with students, parents and teachers have revealed that state primary and secondary schools are continuing to teach youngsters that an education is bought through bribes. …
Chhay Channyda
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/knowledge-economy-0
