Global Peace Foundation Cambodia recognized the contributions of 168 volunteers of GPF Cambodia’s Teaching Volunteer Project at the 3rd Global Peace Youth Assembly on October 2, 2016.
Over two years, GPF Cambodia has recruited more than 300 teaching volunteers to provide basic English literacy to 4,000 4-6 grade children in 10 different primary schools in Chbar Ampov District and Chroy Changvar District through the Basic English Language Instruction (BELI) Project.
Speakers and guests included Director of Curriculum Development Department of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports Mr. Or Siem, Chief Director of Chbar Ampov Distric, Mr. Um Sary, and the Principals of Chbar Ampov and Chroy Changvar Primary Schools.
Mr. Or Siem congratulated the volunteers and thanked GPF Cambodia for initiating the impactful project and the 168 volunteers who gave their time to improving the lives of less fortunate children. He empathized the importance of foreign languages such as English and French in education and national development. He mentioned the rapid development of Cambodia’s education curriculum to provide young people with access to local and international information, which includes emphasis on foreign language for students as young as first grade. Mr. Or Siem encouraged the young leaders at the assembly to be proud of their accomplishments and continue making positive impact in their societies.
Ms. Chhem Sovannary, a senior from the Institute of Foreign Language (IFL) and volunteer from the 2016 BELI class shared her experience teaching English. “The most incredible thing from this experience is that it created my good heart not only through teaching from the textbook, but through sharing my experience and stories.” Ms. Sovannary taught at Reusey Srors Primary School and Chbar Ampov. She expressed her enthusiasm to continue working with GPF.
GPF Cambodia received 8 certificates of appreciation from the partners of the Basic English Language Instruction project and recognition from the schools where BELI volunteers have taught English.