Cambodian Threads Update - June 2011
Cambodian Threads is off to a great summer! After completing a rewarding and successful Fulbright ETA in Vietnam, I was eager to come back to Cambodia and get our summer initiatives underway. Cambodia is such a dynamic country, one in which the social and cultural factors are continually influencing current urban and rural issues. It is always interesting stepping back into Cambodia and observing recent changes and trends. Education continues to be a crucial role in promising development.
Over the past few days, John Prokos, a recent Connecticut College graduate who was appointed to be our English Programs Volunteers Manager, and I have been working closely with the Heng family in their Prek Bongkong village. We were able to set a location for our Prek Bongkong English Program, which will be the Okay American School, just a couple minutes walking from the Heng Family’s home. We were a bit discouraged once hearing the news that the public school, Preah Takov, was unable to hold a classroom because of sensitive reasons, but after meeting Mr Bunna, the director of Okay American School, we were all excited to cement a working agreement and set a date for Sunday, June 5th to hold our first session. We expect about 50-60 students and will plan to teach a morning and afternoon class, with ample time for our volunteer teachers to visit the Heng Family’s house for a tour about silk craftsmanship and a delicious traditional Khmer lunch under the shade of the banana tree. It’s a great opportunity for a cultural exchange between both western volunteers and local Khmer. Cambodian Threads is excited to collaborate for a successful summer English Program!
