Teaching, Day 3 (14/7/16)

After breakfast this morning we met everyone at the presbytery, ready to leave for the kindergarten/learning centre. Because we were going to Jesus Farm afterwards, we had quite a large group today coming with us to the learning centre which was nice. When we arrived we sung the Hello Song in Khmer and English and split the students into 3 groups, with Alana taking the older students and to groups of younger children; Chloe and I taking one group, and Philippa and Hannah taking the other.

Chloe and I spent our hour going over how to introduce themselves and say their names. All of them now can do this confidentially which is amazing. We then sang head shoulders knees and toes altogether which they’re getting the hang of now. To help with counting we have been using the parachute to make it more fun for the children which they love.

At the end we gave them each a new toothbrush and taught them how to properly brush teeth as many of the children have rotten teeth from the lack of, or not properly brushing at home. As it is Thursday, after class they hold the rice soup programme where the church feed the students and also children from the village. It happens once a week and the children are given as much of this soup as they want and can eat. Some of the children also put soup into bags to take back home for their family which is so lovely but also sad as they are having to think about about feeding their family.

Straight in from teaching we travelled to a place called Jesus Farm where we had a delicious BBQ lunch despite all the flies. However,our main reason for visiting the farm was to plant a sandalwood tree each. This was because the compound is used for growing new trees as deforestation is a major problem here in Cambodia. So now we all have our own tree planted here to concrete our friendship with Cambodia, which is pretty special.

When we got back to the hotel we had a quick 30 minute rest before heading straight back out to go and teach the uni students at the student centre. It was only us 4 girls and Garrett, as we left the others to pack for their departure in the evening.

We started off with 20 questions game, which they quickly got the hang of. We then focused on conversation and discussing issues in today’s world and comparing our two very different cultures. This was interesting for us all, as they learnt about how we live, and us about their culture.

It was then back to the presbytery for a bit of relax time before dinner. It was our last evening with the whole group as Anne, Fr Mark, Marlene and Hannah left around 7:30 pm for the airport. After waving them off, it was back to the hotel for the rest of the evening evening.