The Overlake Global Service Program in
Pailin, Cambodia
When Head of School Dr. Francisco Grijalva learned of American Assistance for Cambodia (AAfC), a non-profit organization led by journalist Bernie Krisher that builds schools in rural Cambodia, he knew that Overlake's students and faculty would be excited by the possibility of building their own school. He was right. Students were so enthusiastic that they held student bake sales, talent shows and even sold gourmet dog biscuits to raise the $14,000 needed to build the school. The funds were matched by the World Bank, and The Overlake School in Pailin opened its doors in 2003.
The Overlake School in Pailin serves over 240 students in kindergarten through sixth grade, although the age range of students is well into the teens. There are five classrooms and five teachers, each with about 55 students. A small group of Overlakers traveled to Pailin for the school's dedication in 2003.
In the spring of 2006, Overlake piloted a Global Service Program and sent a second group of students and faculty to Pailin where they taught English, arts and crafts, music and dance, distributed backpacks and school supplies to all students. Thanks to donations to the Global Service Program, the Overlake students were able to install a small computer lab with a satellite dish for internet service.
In February 2008, 22 Overlake students again traveled to Cambodia to install a playground set, teach in the classroom, and experience Cambodian village life.
In April 2010, 18 Overlake students again taught for a week at the school and dedicated a new building—a two-room addition to the original building to be used as a library and dedicated computer center.
