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Wednesday, 25 August 2010
By Sarakk Rith
In 2010, all students who studied in Grade 9 of Chanleas Dai Junior High School felt very nervous because they needed to take a national examination to start grade 10. Many Grade 9 students approached both government teachers and PEPY teachers about what they were worried about. We asked them what subjects they were not sure about, and they told us Math, Physics, Chemistry and Khmer. They told us that they needed our help to review the material in these subjects, so we thought about what we could do for the students.
To help them prepare, PEPY provided a pilot training and review day. The first training that we did was led by PEPY staff. The students’ feedback was all positive. They told us that they really loved the training. After that we decided to provide them with review classes every Sunday leading up to the big test. These training days were organized by PEPY but led by Chanleas Dai’s government teachers. We did this every week, and the students had enough confidence to take the big test.
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Thursday, 29 July 2010
Graduating high school students in Kampong Cham province are fortunate to be situated near the nation’s capital, and thus several of the country’s best universities. Recruitment events are definitely in demand and hosted in high schools. However, increased access to information doesn’t necessarily mean those students know what the next four years of their life may be like. Kampong Cham-based Peace Corps Education volunteers found that many of their students weren’t clear on college life, mostly asking: How do I choose a major? How will I achieve academic success in my university? How do I live in Phnom Penh? What do I need to know about safety and security in Phnom Penh?
Seven Peace Corps volunteers working in rural Kampong Cham high schools and the RTTC (Regional Teacher Training Center) planned and implemented the first provincial-wide Real Ideas for Continuing Education (R.I.C.E.) Fair at the University of Management and Economics in Kampong Cham town on June 25, 2010. They brought alive these issues by inviting representatives from their local community and Phnom Penh, such as college students, professors, and speakers from fourteen organizations and universities.
Current university students hosted student panel discussions, where students and other guests from throughout the province, and interested students from Kralanh High School, Siem Reap, learned more about these hot topics. Choosing a major was hands down the most popular discussion. After hearing their insider advice, over 550 participants took away flyers, brochures, and promotions, and most importantly, formed realistic expectations of university.
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Several years ago, we launched the Bike-to-School (BTS) Program as a way to provide incentive for students finishing sixth grade, and also as a way to transport students to junior high school for continuing their studies. Since that time, two things have changed. First, we helped to fund the construction of a new junior high school that is directly next to the primary school in Chanleas Dai. Its proximity means that some no longer need to travel great distances to start seventh grade. Second, we have augmented classes, trained teachers, and worked to improve the overall quality of the education primary students receive, all of which will hopefully provide a more sustainable (and substantive) incentive to stay in school. In a few significant ways, the need for bicycles has been decreased.
In speaking with teachers, students, parents, and principals, however, we realized that a lack of transportation would still be what stopped some students from going to junior high school. To remove this barrier, we have shifted to a scholarship program, wherein students who plan to enter seventh grade can apply for a bike – those who demonstrate need and live outside of a certain radius will be offered one and junior high school teachers will monitor their attendance throughout the year. Hotel de la Paix in Siem Reap generously donated 20 bikes, which have been painted “PEPY green” and await young student riders, who have just heard presentations in their sixth grades before school ends for the summer. In the coming months, we will go through the applications we receive and purchase additional bikes as needed so that all who need one get one. Biking to school is still the goal – we’re just making sure that the program meets needs as appropriately as possible!
Thursday, 22 July 2010
International Children's Day is celebrated worldwide on June 1st. In Chanleas Dai, teachers, students, administrators, and the PEPY team worked together to celebrate students through a creative market – a space where students practiced life skills and financial management by making and selling small products in their classes. Every grade and several area child clubs had their own stalls where they sold handmade paintings and drawings, clay pottery, paper picture frames, homemade treats, and other handicrafts. Using fake money they traded for Cambodian riel, community members from nearby villages joined the market to purchase students’ work. After the market closed, hundreds of parents and community members stayed to watch skits, game shows, and songs that PEPY child club members created together about child rights, child protection, and children's needs.
The spirit and motivation of the day are hard to translate via words, so be sure to check out our pictures here (http://bit.ly/aTPWRZ). Special thanks to all the teachers and PEPY staff who worked so hard to make this day possible!
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
 Last week we finished our annual field trips with Chanleas Dai Junior High School students. Over the weekend 100 seventh graders saw history come alive at the Angkor National Museum, learning in groups about Buddhism, the Angkorian and Pre-Angkorian empires, the construction of Bayon and Angkor Wat, and the ancient Hindu religious symbols that are inscribed in many of the temples of the area. After visiting the museum, our young friends met with current university students and visited a local university to learn about options after high school. For many students, the only models they have of university students are PEPY staff, so we were excited to introduce them to other men and women from all walks of life who are currently studying at university in Siem Reap. They were especially inspired by former PEPY interns Thavry Thun and Sopheak Monkol, who are currently on scholarship in the Czech Republic. Thanks to all who made this an inspiring day!
While 7th graders learned about history, 8th grade students focused on the environment and science, with a trip to ACCB (Angkor Center for the Conservation of Biodiversity) . At ACCB we saw endangered and threatened animals who are have been injured or rescued and are being rehabilitated by ACCB, learned about the importance of biodiversity, and heard about all of the different species of mammals, fish and birds native to Cambodia. For those who are traveling through Siem Reap in the future, make sure to plan a visit to ACCB! After visiting the animals and learning about ACCB's conservation projects in the area, our group hiked up Kbal Spean, the famous River of A Thousand Linghas. There, Angkor guides shared with us the history of the river carvings and their meanings for the Angkorian people.
Students plan to write short stories about their visits to the museum and ACCB. We hope to share their words and drawings in the future, but for now, check out our pictures from the weekend! We weren't allowed to shoot inside of the museum, but you can see out our pictures of the 8th grade trip to ACCB and Kbal Spean here
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