Classes Beginning

Following a month long hiatus, SSF students eagerly returned to the classroom on Monday January 17^th, to continue their study of English.  The resumption of classes marks a turning point in the way classes are taught at SSF.  Thanks to Kristine Pedersen (SSF’s education consultant) the English curriculum has been revamped and reorganized.  Kristine has created a comprehensive four year curriculum which divides students into four levels: beginner, elementary, intermediate and advanced. Currently there are no SSF students in the advanced group.

The way the Cambodian public school system is set up poses some hurdles to teaching. In Cambodia the school day is divided into two, so students either go in the morning or evening.  In addition the instruction of English in schools leaves much to be desired.   What this has meant for the curriculum is that there needs to be two different elementary and intermediate classes.  Additionally, the low quality of instruction in schools means that the SSF classes, which were designed to be supplemental are now a primary source of education. In creating and implementing the new curriculum Pedersen has successfully and artfully dealt with all of the aforementioned challenges.

Despite the many positive steps the teaching program is not without a few kinks.  The largest of these is that SSF is in need of more longterm teachers.  The teaching program is reliant on volunteers and without them the children are unable to reach their full potential.