I had an amazing trip to Cambodia. I was lucky to travel with two other Diocesan teachers – Miss Thorpe and Miss Adeline, both from Our Lady of Dolours in Chatswood. Miss Thorpe has been working with the Child Rescue Organisation in the village of Krang Lovea over the last four or five years, visiting the children at the centre every July and December holidays and even living there for a year! She works very hard in Australia to raise money for these children through her ‘Gifts for Change (Gifts4Change)’ Facebook page and market stalls, and also supporting the ‘Free to Shine’ charity.
The Khmer people I met were all so friendly and so grateful for the ongoing love and support and I was blown away by the joyous nature of the children at the centre. We had a lot of fun getting to know each other, playing games, reading, dancing and singing!
We visited the English classes in the local village which are run every night after regular school hours. It was inspiring to hear these kids talk about wanting to be doctors and lawyers and engineers.
The Teacher Conference day was a wonderful day too. The teachers have very few professional learning opportunities (ha, but no pressure!!) and I must admit, the 3 of us did a really good job. I was very proud! We covered topics from behaviour management and classroom teaching methods and styles, to phonics, to creating and teaching reading and writing programs and (as Mrs Coram would love) the vital importance of speaking and listening activities, and making learning fun!
I’ve posted a couple of videos below which I hope you enjoy. Additionally, I’d love you to check out the video Miss Adeline made! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEd46EzkcwE&t=2s
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Mr Mao - our fabulous driver! -
Shopping for supplies to take to the Centre for the children's schooling -
Buying sports equipment for the children at the Centre -
We had a full car - lots of second-hand clothes, school supplies, sports equipment, books and more! -
The playground at the Centre -
Children at the markets buying their uniform - the money raised paid for 2 x uniforms, underwear, shoes and a backpack for each child! -
Children at the markets buying their uniform - the money raised paid for 2 x uniforms, underwear, shoes and a backpack for each child! -
Children from the Centre showing us around the local markets in the village of Krang Lovea -
Children from the local village of Krang Lovea in an evening English class -
Children from the local village of Krang Lovea in an evening English class -
The children loved choosing some 'new' clothes from the second hand clothes we brought over! -
The children loved choosing some 'new' clothes from the second hand clothes we brought over! -
The children at the Centre were so excited to get new books to read! -
Some of the children showing us the sites in the local area. -
Money was raised in recent years to purchase this fabulous tuk-tuk for the Centre -
Ms Ingram and Miss Adeline were very touched by the beautiful gift (a book with personal messages from the children) - a wonderful way to remember them all! -
We ran a teacher conference helping teachers develop their literacy skills as well as classroom teaching methods and behaviour management strategies -
We ran a teacher conference helping teachers develop their literacy skills as well as classroom teaching methods and behaviour management strategies -
We ran a teacher conference helping teachers develop their literacy skills as well as classroom teaching methods and behaviour management strategies -
The local primary school the children from the Centre and the village of Krang Lovea attend -
The local primary school the children from the Centre and the village of Krang Lovea attend -
The local primary school the children from the Centre and the village of Krang Lovea attend -
The local primary school the children from the Centre and the village of Krang Lovea attend -
Some of the delicacies on offer at this road-side market were fried spiders, locusts and crickets! -
The temples in Siam Reap were beautiful -
The temples in Siam Reap were beautiful -
The temples in Siam Reap were beautiful