How Cambodians' Gain Years in Days

For some Cambodians, on the day they are born they are automatically one year old.

Others add another year to their age every Khmer New Year in April.

Therefore, a new born baby on March 20th 2010 could be 1 year old. Then, by April 14th 2010 this same baby could be 2 years old - in less than 30 days.

Additionally, early entrance into prestigious schools means parents will falsify age documentation, further increasing their child's age so as to gain entrance.

Perhaps this goes a little way in explaining why in my Grade-1 class I have students ranging from six to thirteen years??!!