Building brighter tomorrows: ABA Bank's visionary school renovation in Takeo
16/Jul/2025
Located in a quiet district, about thirty minutes outside the city center of Takeo Province, Sanlong Primary School has long been a pillar of learning for the local community. Hosting a total of 545 students, the school has served generations of families, even as its facilities aged and resources remain limited.
Like many public schools in remote areas, it faced the quiet erosion of time. Walls dulled by weather, windows and doors in need of repair, classroom interiors lacked proper ventilation, and the outdoor spaces offered little comfort for the students and teachers. However, things took a turn and began to look livelier.
New beginnings
Understanding the impact of current challenges on the students, ABA Bank took the lead and initiated a renovation project. Within weeks, the school received refurbishment aimed at improving the learning environment. The five-classroom building was freshly repainted, and leaking roof tiles and broken windows were replaced. Ceiling fans were also installed to improve airflow during hot afternoons.
Outside, the school grounds were enhanced with new benches for students to rest and enjoy leisure time, solar-powered lamps to improve safety and visibility, as well as trash bins to support better waste management and cleanliness throughout the schoolyard.
Veasna Reaksmey, the school's second grader, expressed, "When the weather is sunny, I get too sweaty to study. But when it rained, the rain leaked from the broken windows and soaked my books. Now, thanks to ABA, my friends and I get to study more comfortably."
Celebrating the moment together
On 12 July 2025, a handover ceremony was held on-site, presided over by Nuth Bora, Deputy Head of the Takeo Provincial Office of Education, alongside representatives from ABA Bank, the school principal, teachers, and students, totaling 150 attendees.
Rather than a formal event, the day also unfolded as a community workday. The students played a central role in the painting and handicraft activities. Trees and flowers were also planted within the perimeter for a greener environment.
These simple, hands-on efforts weren't just tasks – they were opportunities for the kids to develop a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and communication among themselves. For many, it serves as a great way to learn beyond their usual classroom setting.
ABA staff were also actively involved with the activities, working alongside students to paint, clean, and plant. The shared effort reflects the spirit of the project: community engagement and educational empowerment. As a gesture of encouragement, the students also received a stationery kit each to support their learning needs.
Meas Khemra, ABA Takeo Provincial Branch Manager, commented on the event, "Today marks another milestone in our effort to promote quality education. The improvements made to Sanlong Primary School aim to deliver a safer and more functional environment for students to thrive and grow. We at ABA Takeo Branch are proud to contribute to a project that directly benefits our next generation in the long run."
From one school renovation to another, each project continues to highlight ABA's ongoing effort to build a stronger and more resilient community.
By investing in education at the grassroots level, ABA is not only improving infrastructure but also reinforcing its commitment to corporate social responsibility, contributing to a brighter and more educated Cambodia.
