The Khmer Rouge’s reign over the Cambodian genocide of 1975-1979 killed at least 1.7 million people (one-fourth of the country's population). One of the worst human tragedies of the 20th century, the effects of this genocide are unmistakable: Cambodia has the highest infant, child and maternal mortality rates in Asia, and over half of the children under five are malnourished. There are consequent effects on the education system, as well, where the adult literacy rate is at 37%. The Leadership-Character Development Institute (L-CDI) is a network of boarding schools in 23 provinces throughout the Cambodia, where youth are taught not only academic courses but also “life skills” training.