My Time at Countryside Class

For almost one month starting from December 12, 2013, Philip R. came from Australia to volunteer at Countryside Class. We were so incredibly grateful to have him with us, inspiring our students and helping our teachers continually improve at their jobs. We'll miss him a lot!

Here's what he had to say at the end of his time with us:

My Time at Countryside Class.

I came to teach at the school after I had met Sambath when travelling through Battambang a couple of years earlier. What was most appealing about the school then was the Philosophy that is within the school. The idea that the best thing for the students was to develop a sense of community as well as learning English was great. That concept is definitely what came through. The kids love being there and it’s fun.

The 4pm-5pm class is a lot of fun the kids are incredibly cute and despite all the yelling and screaming they stay on task. I will say though you do need a lot of energy to keep up with them, even if only for an hour. The smiles though are great and I will miss playing the “rub out letter game” [pictured above] and watching how all the older kids would help the younger ones when they didn’t know what they were doing.

The older classes were good as well. Often time just incorporating a game or getting the students active meant that all the students, who are already committed, were even more engaged. With the supportive environment around them all the kids no matter what their level always did their best. The school has a great sense of openness and cooperation. It was not uncommon to have visitors from many different cultures come and do activities. We had drawing and music from some French travelers as well as many games.

All of the teachers, Vattei, Pekadei, Vatey and Sambon all have a great relationship with kids and they are all fun to work with. There isn’t a strict teacher student relationship. The teachers, like the students are all from the local area so they are really close and caring with all the kids. I can’t wait to get back to visit everyone at the school and I wish them all well for the future.

Phil