College Outing

On Saturday, to celebrate their Graduation, trainees went on a day trip to Siem Reap, a tourist resort I was about to experience in a way no tourist can. Three coaches left the college at 6.00am after baguettes for everyone. At 8.00 we stopped for breakfast, I passed on this and went for a walk round a market with some of the girls. Back on the road again, we left the busy main road and I was struck by the beauty of narrower lanes lined with banana and palm trees.











Our first stop was Kbal Spean an uphill walk, some of it a bit of a scramble, through beautiful scenery in the company of so many colourful butterflies with the sound of monkeys chattering in the trees. This was my second time to visit and I was glad that the first time we had a guide to explain the significance as this time trainees were too excited to take much notice.

At the top is a natural bridge over the river and a waterfall that will be at its best in a month or two after the rains. Carved into the rocks are images of Vishnu, Shiva and various animals – a beautiful spot for a picnic.
I was amazed by the food that materialised. Trainees formed groups and sat with containers of rice, fish, meat and veg. Some had carried cool boxes with water and beer. Ung Towrett, the Technical Director made a point of looking after me throughout the day and ensured that I had plenty to eat.

 

On the way down we walked by the river where those little fish that nibble your feet swim freely. It was all very relaxing and a good opportunity to practice khmer.

Next stop was Angkor Wat, my first visit to the famous temple with its impressive moat. The son of one of our tutors was assigned to be my guide as he speaks some English and has visited several times before. He did a great job pointing out special Apsaras (carvings of goddesses) and explaining what he could remember about the architecture. The heat of the afternoon was not the best time to be climbing steps and exploring but trainees were so happy and excited that I felt honoured to be sharing the experience with them.

Before heading back, it was planned that everyone would cool off with a swim in a lake but as we arrived thunder and lightning started and the heavens opened so unfortunately we missed that. It didn't kill the spirits of our trainees, they had more fun planned. Karaoke and dancing on the coach. Only one stop on the way back – at a village where they make cakes. Everyone bought big bags of the sweet, biscuit-like delicacies to take home.

 Exhausted yet exhilarated by the day, I was able to join other volunteers for a drink in the evening as Alison was having her leaving party. It felt good to be able to talk in English!

Workshop

I was asked to give a talk to 2nd yr students to prepare them for their teaching posts. Next question was 'half day or full day?!' Since a half day is almost 4 hours I opted for that to break myself in gently and planned a practical workshop to promote and demonstrate the use of simple, inexpensive teaching tools. It was my first time working through a translator so was quite strange. I prepared almost every word beforehand so that I could read each sentence for Sokha to translate. It's funny that it seems to take twice as long to say something in khmer as to say the same thing in English.

I don't know how long it took to get the cane out of Cambodian classrooms under the Child Friendly Schools Initiative but it took me only a few minutes to re-introduce it. The college Director was very impressed by the simplicity and effectiveness of my bamboo counting stick. I was addressing trainees who will be taking up jobs in rural areas where they have very few resources and no budget. I had asked Sokha where I could buy one and he laughed – 'Buy? They just grow!' By the end of the workshop they had all made a Target Board, Dart Board, Dice or other maths resource to take with them as well as ideas on how they can be used. You can see from the photos that they weren't working under the most comfortable of conditions.

The end of Teaching Practice gave me the opportunity to get to know some of the first year trainees I've been helping as I was invited to the parties. There were speeches (including one from me!), food and finally Karaoke and dancing. Food varies. Some is very tasty, some not so tasty and some I just can't touch!! Intestines are a favourite with khmer people. My first attempt at Khmer dancing was fun after the initial shock. I heard my name being announced and realised I was being asked to start the dancing with the head teacher! It's quite slow, you dance with a partner and there are set steps that are quite easy to pick up. The problem is coordinating your feet with the hand movements. I found it difficult to get them both right at the same time! The etiquette is a bit like ballroom dancing, I had no sooner sat down after one dance when I was politely requested to dance with someone else. Just as well movements are slow as it was very hot.

Speeches at sereisophon Primary School

Cambodian dance at Sereisophon

With teachers from Kampong Swai Primary School

Dancing with trainees at Kampong Swai

As the academic year winds down there is not a lot I can do other than make observations and plans for next year. A Belgian NGO has given us a reading scheme to implement in some of the schools so I'm also familiarising myself with those materials.

Meetings and workshops are announced at short notice. I was given a letter on Friday inviting me to make a speech on Monday. I didn't realise it was for the Graduation of trainees as that had been scheduled for next week. Sokha and I prepared an introduction and conclusion in Khmer and the rest in English. It was nerve racking sitting on the stage with the Director and Education Officers as it's all very formal. Just before my turn a young trainee sang a beautiful poem. I couldn't understand it but her voice was so lovely that the butterflies started dancing in my stomach. I actually needn't have worried. I brought the house down when I struggled to get my tongue round a khmer word then afterwards trainees wanted me to repeat the words 'good teacher' so they could copy my accent. I guess I got the message across!!!