A year after studying the causes and effects of child labour with my Year 4 students in New Zealand I arrived in Central Cambodia where many children miss out on an education due to pressures to support their families. While it is a noble thing to help your family, it is very sad if it is at the expense of the next generation breaking the poverty cycle through education and sustainable businesses.
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In January I arrived in Kampong Thom, Cambodia, ready to start working at Soksan International School. The school is fully funded by an NGO called Cambodian Kids Foundation who strives to empower the this and the next generation of Cambodians by educating those who need a hand up, working at grass root levels to give them the tools to create their own sustainable lives.
My role at the school is to help the teachers develop effective teaching strategies to engage the students in learning and to meet the needs of the Soksan Community. We are using the IB PYP Curriculum Framework to develop the students into independent inquirers who are responsible for their own learning. What a privilage it is to work along side the Khmer Teachers who are so passionate, patient and hard working.
Not only do I get to be part of developing sound learning programmes, but I will be able to teach along side the staff in the Community Garden Classroom (above), teaching students thinking and inquiry skills, permiculture and business skills. What a privilege!
