Garuna Christian Schools & Kids

The Garuna Foundation has established a system of Christian tutoring schools in the country of Cambodia. At present, six schools form the Garuna Christian School (GCS) system, serving 1,044 students in grades K-6. The goal of the school system is to provide a daily, year-round opportunity for children to learn about Jesus, while also studying Khmer (Cambodian) reading/writing, Math, and basic English. These schools are in communities where only 2% of the population are Christians and most have little or no knowledge of Jesus. 

Garuna partners with the Cambodia Lutheran Church (CLC) by encouraging church plants and Bible studies at the school sites. The Garuna Christian Schools are sometimes built next to an existing Lutheran congregation. The schools are built with movable walls to allow for outreach activities for the community or a church plant where there a Lutheran church does not currently exist.  In this way, the entire community can enjoy the blessings of an excellent education in a Christian school while learning of the love of Christ.

The schools are funded by donations, largely through the Garuna Kids and Garuna Teachers sponsorship programs. Sponsors provide their students with a free education, uniforms, backpack, school supplies, and the opportunity to study with caring teachers in a safe and nurturing environment. 

The Garuna Christian Schools operate for ½ day sessions—for 3.5 hours in the mornings and afternoons. This complements the Cambodian government schools which are in operation for ½ days, allowing students to attend both schools. This arrangement allows for mutual respect and appreciation between Garuna Christian Schools and the communities they serve, while providing students with needed educational support. The schools serve as a safety net for young children who might otherwise be unsupervised or otherwise endangered while their parents must work. 

The schools operate as a system of schools, employing 45 indigenous workers. Each school team has weekly Bible study and many are enrolled in (or have completed) Garuna’s Luther Institute Southeast Asia (LISA) Bible training program. If you would like more information on how to help with the Garuna Christian School ministry, contact us at info@garuna.org.