Wat Trea Primary School

Empowering Young Learners (2023)

• In addition to my role at Baphnom High School, I dedicate my Sundays to teaching English to children at Wat Trea Primary School, located within the serene grounds of Wat Trea Pagoda. This initiative focuses on providing quality education to students aged 6 to 12, with occasional participation from younger (4-5 years old) and older (up to 13 years old) children. The student body is predominantly female (80%), with males making up the remaining 20%.

  
  

• Our weekly sessions are designed to blend structured learning with creativity and fun. We primarily follow the English curriculum for grades 4, 5, and 6, supplemented by engaging extracurricular activities. Over the past two years, this program has not only strengthened the students’ English language skills but has also fostered a deep sense of community and trust. This bond has been so meaningful that I’ve been honored to be invited to various school ceremonies, reflecting the strong connection we’ve built together.

Video summary

• To make learning more dynamic and interactive, we incorporate technology into our lessons. One of our favorite activities is watching movies in both English and Khmer. This serves a dual purpose: enhancing English listening comprehension and providing cultural enrichment through Khmer cartoons. A memorable highlight was watching The Lion King together, which sparked lively discussions and laughter while reinforcing language skills.

The Lion King movie

• In addition to audiovisual learning, we integrate physical activities into our English classes. Using the Total Physical Response (TPR) method, students learn new vocabulary and concepts through movement and action. This approach not only makes lessons more engaging but also helps students retain information more effectively.

Football game.

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A Heartfelt Surprise: Celebrating My Birthday with the Wat Trea Community (2023).

• One of the most touching moments of my teaching journey occurred in 2023 when my students and their parents organized a surprise birthday celebration for me. Unbeknownst to me, they had planned everything in secret, turning an ordinary Sunday class into an unforgettable memory.

  
  

• As the class concluded and I prepared to wrap up for the day, the students suddenly reappeared, carrying a beautifully decorated cake and an assortment of drinks. The room, which had been filled with the usual chatter of learning moments earlier, now buzzed with excitement and joy. I was completely taken aback—this was the last thing I had expected.

  
  

• What made this gesture even more meaningful was the realization of the effort and sacrifice it must have required. Many of the families in the Wat Trea community face financial challenges, yet they came together to make this celebration possible. Their generosity and thoughtfulness moved me deeply, and I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the love and appreciation they showed.

  
  

• The celebration was simple yet profoundly heartfelt. We shared cake, laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company. It wasn’t just a birthday party; it was a testament to the strong bond we’ve built over the years—a bond that transcends the classroom and extends into the community.

  
  

• This surprise celebration reminded me why I am so passionate about teaching and working with these incredible students and their families. It was a beautiful reminder of the impact we can have on one another when we come together with kindness and generosity.

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Graffiti Workshop: Unleashing Creativity and Self-Expression (2023).

• In 2023, we organized a dynamic 2-hour graffiti workshop designed to ignite creativity, imagination, and self-expression among the students. This unique session introduced them to the vibrant world of street art, offering a hands-on experience that was both educational and exhilarating.

  
  

• For many of the students, this was their first encounter with spray paint, making the workshop an exciting and novel adventure. They eagerly embraced the opportunity to experiment with colors, shapes, and textures, transforming blank surfaces into vibrant expressions of their ideas and emotions. The workshop not only taught them fundamental artistic concepts and techniques but also encouraged them to think outside the box and push the boundaries of their creativity.

  
  

• The energy in the room was palpable as the students immersed themselves in the process, their enthusiasm shining through in every stroke and splash of color. This hands-on experience was more than just an art lesson—it was a chance for them to explore their artistic potential in a way they had never done before. By the end of the session, the students had not only created impressive works of art but had also gained a newfound confidence in their ability to express themselves creatively.

  
  

• This workshop was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of art. It broadened the students’ horizons, sparked their imaginations, and left them inspired to continue exploring their creative talents. For many, it was an unforgettable experience that opened their eyes to the endless possibilities of artistic expression.

Photo: Gabriel Grela Mesa, Wat Trea, 2023, Cambodia, Prey Veng, Ba Phnom.

Video summary

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Awards & Certificates Ceremony: Celebrating Excellence at Tra Elementary School (2023).

• On December 14, 2023, Tra Elementary School held a special ceremony to honor and celebrate the achievements of its outstanding students through the presentation of awards and certificates of recognition. The event was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of the students, as well as the unwavering support of the school community.

  
  

• The ceremony was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Phanheap Ti Bo Lay Vet, the monk of the pagoda and honorary head of all committees, who offered his blessings and words of encouragement. Also in attendance were Venerable Pisal, head of the school management committee; Mrs. Ros Sidon, an officer from the district education office; Mr. Hom Samnang, councilor of Cherkach commune; Mr. Mom Sereibot, the school principal; and Mr. Gabriel Grela Mesa, representing the Peace Corps organization. Teachers, parents, and students also gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion, creating a warm and inspiring atmosphere.

  
  

• The event highlighted the school’s commitment to academic excellence and personal growth, recognizing students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their studies and extracurricular activities. Each award and certificate symbolized not only the students’ achievements but also the collective effort of the teachers, parents, and community members who have supported them along the way.

  
  

• The ceremony was a proud moment for everyone involved, reinforcing the importance of education and the value of recognizing and nurturing young talent. It served as a reminder of the bright future these students are building and the role the community plays in shaping it.

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Whiteboard Donation: Enhancing Learning Environments (2024).

• In 2024, in collaboration with Mr. Yin Yim, a dedicated English teacher for 10th-grade students at Baphnom High School and one of my eight counterparts, we donated two high-quality whiteboards to the school. This initiative was aimed at improving the learning environment and providing teachers and students with better tools to facilitate effective and interactive lessons.

• Whiteboards are essential for modern education, enabling teachers to present information clearly and engage students in dynamic ways. By replacing outdated or inadequate classroom tools, these whiteboards will help create a more conducive learning atmosphere, fostering greater participation and understanding among students.

• This donation reflects our shared commitment to supporting education and empowering both teachers and students. Ms. Yin Yim’s involvement highlights the strong partnership between local educators and volunteers, working together to make a tangible difference in the school community. We hope these whiteboards will inspire creativity, collaboration, and a love for learning in the classrooms for years to come.

  
  

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Painting Art Class: Cultivating Creativity and Fine Motor Skills (2024).

• In March 2024, we launched an exciting new art class designed to combine creativity with skill development. Using paintbrushes and acrylic paints, students embarked on a hands-on journey to explore their artistic abilities while honing their fine motor skills. These skills, which involve the coordination of small muscles for precise and controlled movements, are essential for everyday tasks such as writing, buttoning clothes, using scissors, and, of course, painting.

  
  

• The class provided a vibrant and engaging environment where students could experiment with colors, textures, and techniques. As they dipped their brushes into the paint and brought their ideas to life on canvas, they were not only creating art but also strengthening the muscle control and hand-eye coordination needed for more intricate activities. Each stroke of the brush was a step toward greater precision and confidence.

  
  

• This initiative was more than just an art lesson—it was an opportunity for students to develop foundational skills in a fun and creative way. The joy and focus on their faces as they worked on their masterpieces were a testament to the class’s success. By blending art with skill-building, we aimed to inspire both creativity and growth, empowering students to express themselves while preparing them for future challenges.

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