Day 6: Education is the Window of Opportunity in Battambang

We began the day at Prey Touch Primary School for the dedication of their new library, which was built with donations from the Cambodian Village Fund (CVF) and furnished by Parker. We were welcomed by the students and faculty with smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts. Soon after we arrived, we were joined by the Undersecretary of Education, Youth, and Sports, His Excellency Heang Sanai. During the ceremony, many spoke of what this school and the new library means to them as well as the impact it will have on the community. Mr. Sanai talked about the importance of STEM and education in Cambodia. He also mentioned how kids in Cambodia should continue their educational careers so that they can give back that knowledge and enhance their communities. Bill and Nancy Bamberger who started the CVF ten years ago also spoke about their experience with helping these kids and how they keep returning year after year to provide the resources they need.

Mr Sanai writes in the guest book at the new library at Prey Touch

After the dedication ceremony, we participated in a soccer match with the CVF scholarship students and other local school children. The Prey Touch Primary School received a new turf soccer field last November, financed by CVF, and it has been very useful for the children at this school. Throughout the soccer game and also at the end, we realized that languages or trying to speak to the other kids was not much of a problem. It was a great way to bond. We were also fortunate that during the soccer match there was a nice breeze and considerably cooler temperatures than the day before.

Following the game, we were tasked with placing and organizing all of the books in the newly dedicated library.  We separated the books by reading level and language, set up a flat screen, a printer, and a computer in the library.  It all came together faster than we anticipated and the result was a beautiful library that students will enjoy for years.

Lily and Kitzia help to set up the Library

After a nice rest from setting up the library and the soccer game we headed to a different school to teach English classes.  We split into four groups and started class by explaining an item we brought with us i.e. jacket, sleeves, hood, zipper, pockets.  The classes felt like normal classes back at Parker except we were teaching. In the middle of the classes with the younger kids we had recess and played freeze dance along with other fun games.  After games, we taught a second class, but this time the kids were older and more advanced in speaking English. We focused on pronunciations as well as some words that the kids struggled with such as "conflict" or "imagination". After the classes ended, we stayed and danced with the CVF scholarship girls to Cambodian pop music. They introduced us to new songs that we loved.  The dance party was a great way to end this day of wonderful activities.

Emily, Cam, Cesar, and Ben teaching English

Our lessons also included a very long conga line

Written By Cesar, Bennett, Cameron