YEAR END EXAMS CAMBODIA STYLE

JULY 22 - I've stopped teaching English classes for the rest of this week and for next week. July 27, 28 & 29 are final exams for students all over Cambodia. Because of high corruption among teachers who monitor exams, teachers are moved all over Cambodia. E.g. many teachers from Phnom Penh end up in Siem Reap Town schools and other provinces. Teachers in Siem Reap Town go to other provinces. Yes, for about a week teachers all over Cambodia are staying in hotels and/or guest houses all over Cambodia. Every year like this.

Students are assigned to a particular school in the area where they live, a room number and a particular table. Teachers are also assigned to a particular school and room number. On Sunday morning before July 27, the list will be posted at each school. The list has the names of all the students who should take their test at this school with each student's assigned room number and the table number. On Sunday students must go to each school in the area until s/he finds her/his name on a list.

Cambodian students know the drill. If you're a student outside the general primary and high school and university daily classes--GED or Tourist Guide, for examle--it's negotiating time with your exam supervising teacher. If you're number 1 in your class every semester, you don't have to negotiate because everybody will know that you will pass the 3-day exams. I've been told by students that even if you pass the exams, you will fail if you don't pay. And if you fail the exams and pay the bribe, you'll be sure to pass unless you haven't written at all on your exam papers.

The student will be negotiating on Sunday after s/he finds out who his/her supervising teacher is. Once the price is set, anywhere between $500 and $1500 depending on the school grade/level the student is testing for, the student will deliver the money to the teacher on Monday morning. The higher the level, the higher the price. The supervising teacher will assure that the "paid" table numbers are reported to Phnom Penh so that the student passes.

Families who don't have money have no choice. Others borrow what they can from family and friends to assure passing the grade and getting the precious certificate.

I watch CTV sometimes, Cambodia's national tv station. I hear the Kingdom of Cambodia Minister of Education pleading for teachers and school administrators to honor proper channels and to upgrade the educational system for the sake of students and the Country. I wonder if they have ears to hear. When a supervising teacher shares $1500 with a Phnom Penh exam certifier...and this happens thousands of times over every year...I wonder if they have ears to hear.