Cambodia

Real Ideas for Continuing Education (R.I.C.E.) Fair 2010

Graduating high school students in Kampong Cham province are fortunate to be situated near the nation’s capital, and thus several of the country’s best universities. Recruitment events are definitely in demand and hosted in high schools. However, increased access to information doesn’t necessarily mean those students know what the next four years of their life may be like. Kampong Cham-based Peace Corps Education volunteers found that many of their students weren’t clear on college life, mostly asking: How do I choose a major? How will I achieve academic success in my university? How do I live in Phnom Penh? What do I need to know about safety and security in Phnom Penh?

Seven Peace Corps volunteers working in rural Kampong Cham high schools and the RTTC (Regional Teacher Training Center) planned and implemented the first provincial-wide Real Ideas for Continuing Education (R.I.C.E.) Fair at the University of Management and Economics in Kampong Cham town on June 25, 2010. They brought alive these issues by inviting representatives from their local community and Phnom Penh, such as college students, professors, and speakers from fourteen organizations and universities.

Current university students hosted student panel discussions, where students and other guests from throughout the province, and interested students from Kralanh High School, Siem Reap, learned more about these hot topics. Choosing a major was hands down the most popular discussion. After hearing their insider advice, over 550 participants took away flyers, brochures, and promotions, and most importantly, formed realistic expectations of university. 

Experience Cambodia beyond the surface!

Last winter, I took off for PEPY Ride V with hopes to thaw out from the dreadful Akita winter and check out a new place. I had no idea that I was going on the greatest trip ever. From the moment I tuk tuk-ed away from the airport, I was in awe of Cambodia. It was so different from anywhere I'd ever been before and so far from what I'd imagined it to look like. My first few hours were spent just adjusting to this new reality. During my 1,000k ride, the reality of Cambodia sunk in further as I took in the everyday smells, sounds, and smiles. The ride itself was a challenge, but I have never been more excited to wake up before sunrise in my life. And, seeing the sunrise over a grassy Cambodian plain while riding your bike is amazing! Throw in 12 fantastic new friends and some Cambodian wedding music and it is an experience I would wake up at 5am for everyday!

Since returning, I've talked with friends who've also visited Cambodia and found that we share similar feelings for places like Angkor Wat and S-21. It's when I start off about the deep love of hammocks I gained, all the spontaneous dancing I did, and the countless yellings of "HELLO!!" from kids I heard that I start to feel we visited two different Cambodias. My trip was so much fun while also being educational and inspiring!

With four new PEPY tours to choose from, now's YOUR chance to experience Cambodia beyond the surface!!  Check out upcoming tours at the links below!

SEPTEMBER

Project Development Tour

NOVEMBER

Rural and Urban Experiential Tour

DECEMBER/JANUARY

PEPY Ride VI

Riding to Break the Cycle

Good things,

Anne

History, Conservation, and Biodiversity

Last week we finished our annual field trips with Chanleas Dai Junior High School students.  Over the weekend 100 seventh graders saw history come alive at the Angkor National Museum, learning in groups about Buddhism, the Angkorian and Pre-Angkorian empires, the construction of Bayon and Angkor Wat, and the ancient Hindu religious symbols that are inscribed in many of the temples of the area.  After visiting the museum, our young friends met with current university students and visited a local university to learn about options after high school.  For many students, the only models they have of university students are PEPY staff, so we were excited to introduce them to other men and women from all walks of life who are currently studying at university in Siem Reap.   They were especially inspired by former PEPY interns Thavry Thun and Sopheak Monkol, who are currently on scholarship in the Czech Republic.  Thanks to all who made this an inspiring day!

While 7th graders learned about history, 8th grade students focused on the environment and science, with a trip to ACCB (Angkor Center for the Conservation of Biodiversity) .  At ACCB we saw endangered and threatened animals  who are have been injured or rescued and are being rehabilitated by ACCB, learned about the importance of biodiversity, and heard about all of the different species of mammals, fish and birds native to Cambodia.  For those who are traveling through Siem Reap in the future, make sure to plan a visit to ACCB!   After visiting the animals and learning about ACCB's conservation projects in the area, our group hiked up Kbal Spean, the famous River of A Thousand Linghas.  There, Angkor guides shared with us the history of the river carvings and their meanings for the Angkorian people.  

Students plan to write short stories about their visits to the museum and ACCB.  We hope to share their words and drawings in the future, but for now, check out our pictures from the weekend!  We weren't allowed to shoot inside of the museum, but you can see out our pictures of the 8th grade trip to ACCB and Kbal Spean here

Getting Accustomed to the Customs

By: Eric Lewis, PEPY Intern

It was not two weeks ago that I joined the PEPY family as their newest intern, and already this sojourn has proved edifying. Cambodia is a school—the smiling Khmer people its teachers, the rich culture its subject matter—and I am fortunate to be a student here. I arrived in the midst of Prachum Benda, a fifteen day Theravada Buddhist holiday in honor of the dead. For fourteen days the faithful carry out rituals intended to alleviate the suffering of their ancestors, and on the fifteenth day the festival culminates in Pchum Ben, a day of feasting and commemoration.

The festival and its rituals are fascinating for several reasons, but one aspect struck me in particular: the entire process is a service to those who died in a state of grievous karma. Most Cambodians (95% are Theravada Buddhists) believe in reincarnation, thus it is only the worst karmic offenders who would become trapped in the limbo of non-incarnation. And it is to these restless souls that the fifteen days are dedicated, so that the spirits might meditate and repent. What’s more, the festival is unique to Cambodia.

We can learn much about a culture by studying its holidays. What do the people celebrate? How do they celebrate? These are questions of values. People celebrate what they value, and in a manner that is sacred to them. Clearly, then, the Khmer people value reconciliation—a second chance for everyone. And how do they celebrate? By leaving the city in favor of the homeland, by spending time with family and praying for the forgiveness of others, by helping those who can no longer help themselves. A culture so benevolent and centered has a rich wisdom all its own, and I am eager for the lessons that the coming months will bring.