In Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge Regime), no formal education systems or facilities are available. Children can only learn under trees, inside of civilians’ houses. There were no proper qualified teachers either, in fact most of their teachers can barely read and write. Throughout the regime the most amount of education the children can receive is up to 2-3 hours away in 1978.
Even if they were to receive education, it wasn’t the standardized literature and mathematics education. But, they were given political instructions and guidance instead. The Khmer Rouge regime takes these children out of homes, and forced to attend indoctrination programs so that they could become soldiers, bodyguards, carriers and messengers. The Khmer Rouge assembled a large troop of children army; this was because they believed that children are easier to control, and that they are less likely to revolt. Many guards and soldiers that served at the S-21 and the Killing Field were children as well.
During the regime, children were appointed to go collect dung, harvest plants, collect human waste convert to fertilizer, carrying weapons to the battlefield where some were killed and heavily injured. The army of DK had soldiers that were as young as 12-13 years old. They are not privileged as children under the regime, if they tried to escape or revolt, they will get tortured and whipped as well. During the war against Vietnam, children were pushed to the front line and forced to contribute to the war.
During the regime, children were appointed to go collect dung, harvest plants, collect human waste convert to fertilizer, carrying weapons to the battlefield where some were killed and heavily injured. The army of DK had soldiers that were as young as 12-13 years old. They are not privileged as children under the regime, if they tried to escape or revolt, they will get tortured and whipped as well. During the war against Vietnam, children were pushed to the front line and forced to contribute to the war.
Children that were apart of the army
"You should learn while working. The more you work, the more you learn. "
Khmer Rouge Leaders
Khmer Rouge Leaders
Younger children were taught to obey and worship Angkar. Angkar is the parent of children, as well as male and female youths. If parents beat their children, it means they look down on Angkar, so Angkar will have no pity for them.
The cadres of the regime convinced the children to report on their parents, to act as spies in the family. If they were told to, they would kill their parents as well. The children are taught to learn and obey all Angkar’s demands, which were actually the demands of the regime in disguise.
The cadres of the regime convinced the children to report on their parents, to act as spies in the family. If they were told to, they would kill their parents as well. The children are taught to learn and obey all Angkar’s demands, which were actually the demands of the regime in disguise.