English Classes
The English Language program started in 2010 with one teacher and about a dozen students. Now we have five teachers and over 500 students from grades 3-12. The students come voluntarily every day after school to learn English. Our five teachers conduct the hour-long classes in the Kaun Khlong Primary School. Sitha Sor manages the program and is also one of the teachers. The students have access to a language lab/media center in the Siskowic Learning Center.
The program costs about $7,200 a year – not bad when you consider a child is learning English for less than $15 a year. English is critical in Cambodia. When students can speak English, they increase their chances of finding a good job and having a brighter future.
Teachers
Sitha Sor manages our English Language Program. Born in Kaun Khlong Village in 1992, Sitha joined our program in October 2017 as a teacher. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Management and Economics in Battambang. He previously was a volunteer English teacher for HDLF, an NGO in Battambang. At HDLF Sitha was in charge of the computer lab and taught computer skills. He is single and currently lives in Kaun Khlong Village. In his spare time, Sitha likes to read books, listen to music and play volleyball and football.
Sreynoch Phoun was born in 1991 in Kaun Khlong Village and graduated from Sangke High School in 2010. She graduated from the University of Battambang with a degree in accounting in 2017. In addition to working for us, Sreynoch also teaches English at Cambridge International Academy. Sreynoch is married and has a daughter.
Seyha Tren, born in Prey Touch in 1998, was one of our scholarship students. She began teaching in our English Language program in 2019. Seyha graduated from Preah Monivong High School in 2017 and Build Bright University in 2021, with a Bachelor's in General Management. Seyha is also a second-grade teacher at Kilo Leak Buon Primary School.
Seyha is married, has a son and lives in Prey Domrey Village.
Vichet Sok, born in Kaun Khlong Village in 1993, is studying English Literature at the University of Management and Economics in Battambang. In addition to teaching English for the Cambodian Village Fund, Vichet works at the Asian American International School in Battambang. He previously taught English at the RANY International School and the Vision International School. In his spare time, Vichet likes to read, listen to music, tell jokes and play sports.
Samey Phalla, born in 1998, joined our English Language Program in 2019. Samey was one of our scholarship students. She graduated from Prey Monivong High School in 2017 and Build Bright University in 2021, with a Bachelor's Degree in General Management. Samey also has a business selling cosmetics and health products from her on-line store and her shop in the Kaun Khlong Market.
Samey is married and and has a son. She lives in Prey Domrey Village.
William E. Todd, U.S. Ambassador to CambodiaWith improved English language skills, Cambodians will have more and better opportunities to compete in the job market.