Free Classes Program

January 2015 Report

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Table of Contents Executive Summary 3

Technology Update 4 Overview

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Infrastructure Update

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Implementation Highlights 5

Free Classes UPdates9 English

Computer Art

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Science

Sewing

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Teacher Training and Development Community Partnerships

Thank You

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Executive Summary Welcome to the latest Free Classes Program bi-annual report!

JWOC’s Free Classes Program provides free vocational courses to over 1100 beneficiaries in 15 low-income, vulnerable villages surrounding Siem Reap. The programs goals are three-fold: to improve educational outcomes, to increase economic and employment opportunities and finally, to inspire both our beneficiaries and supporters (like you) to nurture positive social change. Each week, there is an average of 40 unique courses that students are enrolled in, ranging from English, Science and Kindergarten courses for children to Hospitality, Sewing and Computer classes for adults. JWOC’s Free Classes Program and related activities are led entirely by our dedicated Free Classes team: 6 full-time and 9 part-time staff, 25 Scholarship student teachers and 3 volunteer teachers.

In this report, you will find updates on the Free Classes Program 2014 goals and highlights from the last two quarters, with a focus on our latest IT project and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) programming. 2014 was a year of milestones and growth for the Free Classes Program. A particular highlight has been the development of interdisciplinary learning through our science and art classes held in the library as well as our English classes held in the computer lab.

In addition, we have included our 2015 goals and what initial steps our team is taking to achieve them. Finally, you will get a chance to meet some of our students, teachers and staff through their pictures and stories. Last but not least, thankyou for your interest and continued support of the Free Classes Program. Your support enables our work and makes JWOC’s lasting impact possible. Warm Wishes,

Victoria and The Free Classes Team

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Revolutionizing JWOC’s Free Classes Through Technology Overview

The innovative use of technology in our Free Classes Program has been an exciting, new development at JWOC. The decision to integrate technology into the English, Science and Art curricula stems from JWOC’s commitment to providing our beneficiaries with the skills necessary to be successful in their future. Indeed, a curriculum thatincreases student collaboration, engagement and achievement through the inclusion of IT will be essential in propelling JWOC students into the future with vital mindsets and skillsets.

From November 11th to November 23rd, JWOC welcomed 12 volunteers from VMware and Team4Tech as part of a large-scale IT project aimed at integrating technology into learning models, strengthening digital literacy and building leaders with 21st century skills. The project was made possible through a $12,500 grant from Team4Tech, which was kindly matched by the Rotary Club of Sacramento. The infrastructural and educational highlights are included below. Infrastructure Development Highlights:

Increase from 20 to 26 student computers in the lab, including 3 laptops that will be used in Science classes, supported by a new server Re-purposing 6 old computers from the lab for pedagogical and administrative uses Strengthening wireless broadband connectivity by installing 2 new routers with 1 access point and reconfiguring 3 new wifi networks on JWOC’s campus Identifying and provisioning educational software and ICT resources for English, Science and Art classes, as well as for teacher development and administrative support Extending lab hours, re-organizing computer class schedule and developing a lab schedule for all English classes.

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Implementation Update and Highlights Our implementation plan leverages existing technology usage models and compliments the curriculum, while also leaving space for teachers to experiment and adapt around each course’s core learning objectives. The classes most impacted by our technology upgrade are English, followed by Science and then Art. Youth and Adult English Classes

Children’s English Classes

1:1 student to computer ratio

Collaborative, group-based learning

Self-paced language learning in lab

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Technology-assisted in classroom

Adult English Software  Rosetta Stone Tell Me More - Voice recognition through dialogue

- Students practice word and sentence pronunciation

Software  ESLgamesplus.com

- Focus on fun, interactive games - Basic literacy and numeracy

Youth English Software  British Council Learn English

- Online software (that will soon be stored offline on content server)

- Features interactive games, songs and videos

Youth and Adult English Classes This integration of technology into JWOC’s youth and adult English classes not only strengthens the quality of both learning and teaching, it also improves economic outcomes by equipping our students with basic digital literacy skills. While the software varies for the youth and adult English classes (Rosetta Stone’s Tell Me More for the adult classes and British Council’s Learn English), the language6

learning model is the same: each week, classes go to the lab to access the appropriate software.

During the initial 1-2 weeks of implementing the new lab schedule for English classes, usage improved tremendouslywith 100% of designated youth and adult classes accessing the lab, which translates to 37 English classes or 82% of JWOC’s total English offerings. On average, the ratio of student to computer is 1:1.

This is a huge improvement from previous usage, where English classes were brought to the lab at most once during a full 16-week course, or 0-1 hour for every 64 hours. As youth and adult English classes are held in the lab once a week (totaling a minimum of 16 instructional hours per course), students are now able to augment their English-language learning with newfound digital literacy skills. Children’s English Classes (Under 8’s) The purpose of integrating technology into the kindergarten and under-8 English classes is three-fold:

To optimizethe student engagement and learning outcomes through interactive online software, To facilitate social development and collaboration skills through team-based games, And finally, to increase basic literacy and numeracy skills.

With these three goals in mind, our Free Classes team implementeda technologyassisted collaborative learning model, wherein the teacher uses any technology to facilitate group-based classroom activities. In this model, technology is integrated into the classroom and students work in teams or as a class collectively to complete activities. Technology can include laptops, projectors, desktops and/or any other AV equipment.

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Science and Art Classes Science and Art classes also benefit from the technology upgrade.

In science classes, JWOC integrated laptops to support the physics unit in the curriculum through the use of robotic engineering and programming software developed by LEGO Education. Akin to the collaborative-learning model implemented in the children’s English classes, students use the laptops to construct 3D LEGO robots using 2D drawings, programthem to do basic thingsand run related experiments in small groups of 4-5.

The LEGO WeDo software enables students to:

Think creatively to design and construct a working model Develop vocabulary and communication skills to explain how the model works Apply the scientific method framework to problem-solving, and establish links between cause and effect

The opportunity to integrate subject matter through project-based learning and experiments serves as a platform for applying new concepts, learning critical-

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thinking skills and broadening student interests. The process of students actively building, programming, investigating writing and communication benefits their development tremendously.

For students participating in our weekly drop-in art class, they now have the opportunity to design, experiment and create digital art through the open-source Tux Paint software. Tux Paint is an award-winning computer- drawing program for children ages 3-12 and is installed on all 26 desktops and laptops in the lab. Our Art students are brought to the lab once a month to use the software.

Tux Paint combines an easy-to-use interface, unique drawing functions, fun sound effects and other interactive features (such as an encouraging cartoon mascot!) as students create works of art from their blank canvas. In addition to improving creativity, students learn basic computer commands such as save, open, print, etc. Interdisciplinary Learning In addition to increasing access to technology, the improved lab schedule and software upgrade have enabled greater interdisciplinary learning at JWOC.

Since all the software uses English as the medium of instruction, virtually every class at JWOC, be it Science, Art or Kindergarten, has components of English language learning. This builds upon and reinforces JWOC’s commitment to equipping students with skills that will be critical for their future

In addition to language, another area of interdisciplinary learning is art and creativity. Some of the English teachers have allotted 5-10 minutes at the end of each lesson in the lab for students to use the Tux Paint software.Sometimes, the art activity is related to the vocabulary and learning objectives, while other times students have freedom to create their own digital art.

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After receiving training in all the software programs, teachers have begun to explore and include different software programs in their lesson. These examples demonstrate that the software has enabled teachers to strengthen their quality of instruction by taking a cross-curricular approach to teaching.

Free Classes – 2014 Highlights and Updates JWOC’s Free Classes Program enrolls more than 900 beneficiaries from approximately 15 underserved villages in Siem Reap. All of JWOC’s classes are free of charge to students from underprivileged backgrounds that are unable to gain access to skills for a brighter future. In addition, JWOC provides continued professional development to our teachers, many of which are scholarship students who are completingtheir university degree. These professional development opportunities include teacher development workshops, observation, feedback and ongoing support to help our teachers develop their practice. On average, there are 40 unique courses running simultaneously each week. In December, there were 44 different vocational courses and drop-in classes offered each week, which is a 20% growth from the number of classes JWOC offered at the start of 2014 (approximately 36).

A very preliminary look at our bi-annual Free Classes student survey confirms that approximately 100% of students felt that their experience at JWOC was positive 10

(either “good” or “excellent”). We’re all very excited about this and look forward to publishing the official results from the surveys in the next coming weeks.

The addition of our bi-annual student and teacher surveys reflects JWOC’s commitment to ensuring student and teacher success through improved monitoring and evaluation tools. Within the last 6 months, we have taken a number of steps to improve the Free Classes Program monitoring and evaluation systems. This includes bi-annual student and teacher surveys, periodic learning assessments and an improved excel-based student information management system that tracks student progress through basic indicators. Read on for more updates on each of our course offerings and teacher development workshops. English Classes

JWOC provides free English classes for those who unable pay for education at English at private schools and/or language institutions in Siem Reap. Those who cannot afford to learn are left behind. This reality affects people of all ages: children, teenagers and adults. JWOC is committed to providing services that enable learners of all ages to grow, develop and contribute positively to their communities.

Kindergarten Classes In 2014, we enrolled nearly 60 students across 4bi-lingual Kindergarten classes offered throughout the year. For the children enrolled at JWOC’s kindergarten class, the focus is on laying the foundation for continued child development, learning at JWOC and success in the Khmer state school. Students learn basic literacy and numeracy as well as creativity and social skills through games, songs and crafts. In 11

recent months, the kindergarten teachers have used online English games, such ESLgamesplus.com, to supplement the bi-lingual curriculum.

An important highlight of 2014 has been the addition of improved hygiene, nutrition and road safety training in our kindergarten classes. Children’s English Classes (ages 5-14)

In the last 6 months, our children’s English classes grew by 65% from 188 students in May 2014 to 300 students in December 2014. Attendance and passing rates have remained strong in the last half of the year at an average rate of 83% and 81% respectively.

Our children’s English classes run during the weekday and weekend at times align with students’ availability based on the state school schedule. Our Under-8 children’s classes use the Let’s Go textbook series, which have plenty of opportunities for learning through games, songs and child-centered activities, while the school-age and teenage classes use the Way Ahead, First Choice and Smart Choice books which allow them to progress to an advanced level with topics suited to their age group and interests. One exciting highlight has been the development of pen-pals with the Sierra House elementary school in Lake Tahoe, California. Members of the school’s community came to visit JWOC this past Fall and worked with JWOC’s Librarian and Child Development Coordinator to get the project up and running. Adult English Classes (15+) Our English classes for adults have the highest student enrollment at JWOC, with 439 students enrolled as of December 2014. Since the last Free Classes Program report in May 2014, JWOC has opened 3 new adult English classes.

Our adult English classes range from starter to pre-intermediate level and meet four times during weekdays or twice during weekends to accommodate varying work schedules. Roughly 20% of our adult English classes are held during weekdays and the remaining 80% occur during the weekend. Indeed, Saturday and Sunday are JWOC’s busiest days with hundreds of students occupying all indoor and outdoor spaces.

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Hospitality English Class The above figures do not include our latest addition to JWOC’s English offerings for higher-level students: hospitality classes. As the Siem Reap job market is based largely on tourism and hospitality, English language skillsindispensable and the difference between hiring someone or not.

In the last quarter of 2014, we opened two hospitality classes enrolling a total of 23 students. Our hospitality class has replaced our drop-in conversation class due to low attendance rates in the latter. Computer Classes

Computer literacy is an increasingly vital skill needed to access the job market in Siem Reap. These classes provide essential computer skills for many students that do not have access to a computer.

JWOC currently offers 7 types of computer classes with varying topics and learning objectives. Our typing and children’s computer classes are both aimed at improving basic computer literacy, while our MS Word, MS Powerpoint, MS Excel, email and internet classes are aimed at enhancing computer skills in a specific area of application- be it word processing or online research. In the fourth quarter, we enrolled 130 students, most of which were enrolled in the introductory typing classes. The attendance and passing rates remained high, at 88% and 93% respectively.

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Library and Art Classes JWOC’s library is the cornerstone of our values and mission. It is a safe place where learners of all ages gain access to literacy and creative activities. The library is open to all in the community, not just those studying at JWOC.

2014 was a great year for the library and art team with many new milestones and highlights, including: A total of nearly 1,400 books loaned (607 to adults and 788 to children) Over 200 students participating in our annual Christmas-themed art class An average attendance of 30 students in our weekly drop-in art class An average of 16 visitors in the library each day (12 children and 4 adults) 1 new desktop computer available for JWOC student use

Our art classes aim to improve students’ design skills, creativity and techniques through various crafts all while having fun. All art classes are held outdoors in a common space adjacent to the library and are led by 4 scholarship students and our Librarian. This year, we also decreased our library and art resource/materials costs by 30%. This is in large part due to two factors: the generous donations of books, games and art supplies by our supporters and our Librarian’s incredible resourcefulness.

In 2015, we hope to continue to expand our library resources and network of coverage by offering more community trainings. In addition, we hope to expand interdisciplinary learning by having all U-8 classes attend art class in the library once every two weeks, or 8 hours per 64-hour course. The class would focus on

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reading, literary arts and crafts. In the fourth quarter, we offered 2 community trainings (road safety and hygiene). Science Class This year, the Free Classes team piloted the first Science class ever at JWOC with 15 students ages 12-15 (grades 7-9) enrolled. What a huge success that was!

Our Science curriculum focused onthe fundamentals: teaching the scientific method and basic chemistry, biology and physics/engineering concepts through groupbased experiments. The result was a lively, non-traditional 12-week course in the library led by none other than JWOC’s resident “superwoman” Nesa. Studentstested hypotheses, built prototypes, made thoughtful observations and solved problems collaboratively by applying the appropriate “question and answer” framework.

At the end of the course, we assessed students through final projects. For these final projects, students worked in pairs to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in any area of the curriculum through creative means: an experiment!During the last class, students presented their final experiments to a library full of JWOC students and staff as well as friends, family and representatives from local NGOs.Nearly 50% of students reported that their favorite class was this final class because they could create their own experiment and share what they had learned with others.

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Data from the science class surveys also reveals that half of the class reported improved English, computer, creativity and critical thinking skills as well as better confidence and hygiene habits. 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

No tick

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Due to the success of our science class for middle school students, we will be launching a 12-week science class starting at the end of January for children ages 812. There will be twosections of the course enrolling 32 students in total and the curriculumwill also featurethe same collaborative-based model with a focus on biology, anatomy, animals, plants and earth science topics. A final and exciting highlight is that JWOC has been selected to host a workshop at the first-ever Cambodian Science and Engineering Festival in Phnom Penh this upcoming March. We are thrilled!

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Meet Sela (narrated by Nesa)*

Sela is 12 years old. There are four people in his family: his mother, father and sister. His parents are farmers. They currently live in Kampong Cham. Sela moved to Siem Reap just study English and is now staying with his aunt. He has studied at JWOC for just 5 months and is enrolled in English, Computer and Science classes. Right now, he is studying in the First Choice English class in the evening, but he used to be in the Way Ahead English class with me.

Sela is clever. He said he likes all classes, but his favorite class is Science because he can learn something new and also with the experiment that he never done before.

In the future, Sela wants to be an English tour guide. He said he will try to study hard to reach his dream.

Unfortunately, Sela will stop studying at JWOC because he has to move to Kampong Cham to continue his Khmer learning. He is very sad to leave JWOC. However, if he stays in Siem Reap, he has to wait 2 more years to study Khmer as his age is not suitable for his level. Another reason is that he must take care of his mother as she is not well right now. I asked him,“How can you help her?”and he said,“I will help her as much as possible and will do anything I can.”

Even at a young age, Sela can answer this question very well and he has a very warm heart for his mother. I am really proud of him and his studies at JWOC. He said that he really loves JWOC because it is the first English School for him and the place that he can learn many good things. Here is his photo with his last project** that he did it by himself. I really appreciate him so much. I hope he will reach his dream.

* Sela left JWOC at the end of December. This interview was conducted and translated by our Science teacher, Nesa, on his last day at JWOC. Sela came to JWOC everyday to learn English and Computer classes; he was also enrolled in Science class. 17

** Since Sela was unable to participate in the final projects for Science, Sela spent his last day building and programming a LEGO helicopter. Meet Nita

My name is May Sokunlanita. My friends call me Nita. I am 14 years old. I am from Siem Reap and was born in Siem Reap. I have 4 siblings including me. I have only sisters- no brothers. There are 7 members in my family. My grandmother, parents, the 3 sisters and me. My mother is a housewife, and my father is a manager at KC. One of my sisters works as a souvenir seller and the other two are still studying in school.

I have been learning English at JWOC for around 2 years. Right now, I am learning Elementary English in room D with teacher Sovann at 5:15pm to 6:15pm. I used to Nita working on a building a LEGO prototype in study Computer as well.And now, I study science class science every Sunday, but today is the last day of my science class. I am so happy to learn science. The class helps me get knowledge about something that I have never known before through hands-on experiments, and it makes me know more about what science is. At JWOC, I not only practice English, learn how to use the computer and learn about science, but I also can sing in English and make music with cups. I did this onChristmas day at JWOC, and I was so happy in that time.*

In the future, I want to be an English teacher as I would like to teach young children to know English- just like what I did at JWOC. I have many good memories at JWOC especially during Summer Camp when I had many activities with interns, studying science with my friends and also on Christmas Day whenI performed The Cup Song. 18

Nita performing at this year’s annual Christmas celebration

*Note: Nita was a star at JWOC on Christmas and dazzled our crowd of over 200 people. She performed the song “When I’m Gone” while orchestrating a beat with cups (also known as “The Cup Song”). Sewing Program

Since the Sewing Program’s inception in 2009, JWOC has provided 153 students with basic and advanced sewing training. JWOC’s Sewing Classes meet for 3 hours, 5 times per week and aim to develop sewing skills through project-based, experiential learning. In 2014, JWOC’ Sewing Program grew its enrollment in the Basic Sewing Class, with 32 students enrolled in the basic section. 9 students continued to the advanced course, Sewing for Livelihoods, and will graduate in February 2015 with 8 months of sewing experience as they look to secure employment or launch their own sewing ventures. 2014 Highlights The third and fourth quarter of 2014 have been full of improvements and growth for JWOC’s Sewing Program, from offering a condensed, accelerated course to providing more income-generating projects for students to new partnerships with community organizations and socially-minded businesses. The major highlights and upcoming initiatives are outlined below: Strengthened Partnerships: In 2014, the JWOC Free Classes team made a push to strengthen and grow its community partnerships. In the fourth quarter alone, JWOC forged new collaborations with Journeys Within Boutique Hotel and AIM Agape Employment Center while strengthening our partnership with Peace Café. In 2015, we will look to grow our partnerships with other socially-minded businesses and organizations with the goal of furthering the employment opportunities for our students.

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More Income-Generating Projects for Current Students: When students sign up for our Sewing Class, they make an investment in their future. However, the return on that investment is not immediate. It takes time for them to master their craft, steward work

opportunities and reap substantial financial benefits. To offset this opportunity cost, JWOC will be offering more income-generating projects during the course. These projects also provide students with the opportunity to advance their skills and gain exposure to the field through hands-on experience. While students are enrolled in our sewing class, JWOC will aim to provide at least three income-generating projects. In the last course, JWOC offered one income-generating project: making 20 tablecloths for the Journeys Within Café next door. In the next accelerated course, we will target at least two.

More Income-Generating Opportunities for Graduates: One improvement stemming from an increase in partnerships is an increase in commissioned work for our graduates. As always, all students have the opportunity to sell approved, hand-made products through JWOC upon successful completing of the program; JWOC purchases these products at a fair price set by the sewing teacher and graduate. Unsurprisingly, JWOC has seen a positive correlated between the amount of community partnerships and the sales of JWOC sewing products. This translates to an increase in the commission of paid work for our graduates.

Exposure to Sewing Sector Through Experiential Learning: This year, we expanded our curriculum to include more experiential learning opportunities for students. Our goal was to increase students’ knowledge about the sewing sector and consumer market in Siem Reap through class field trips. We piloted the first field trip in our advanced course in September, and now will provide three field trips in our current basic course as a platform for our students to learn Students visiting a sewing shop during outside of the classroom, understand the a class field trip in December supply and demand markets and foster professional connections among JWOC’s network of partners.

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"They [students] are really, really happy and are interested in all new things, especially they can learn and see what they have never seen before. In addition, through sewing activity [at AIM Sewing Center] they can know new ideas and skills through the different machines. Students would like to say thanks to seamstress that help them learn how to sew T- shirt and make wonderful time for students to see there." – Saroem, Sewing Coordinator and Lead Instructor, on students’ experience

Two Courses Condensed into One: Starting in March 2015, JWOC will pilot a new Sewing Class that combines the two four-month courses of Basic Sewing and Sewing for Livelihoods into one comprehensive six-month course. In this new model, students will enter the course as complete beginners and finish the course as skilled sewing entrepreneurs.

Success Stories

There are a variety of success stories among our sewing graduates, who come from underserved, vulnerable areas around Siem Reap. Many have used their technical and entrepreneurial skills to launch their own business while others have employed their skills towards informal work and/or home improvement projects. Below are two success stories written by our students and translated by our Free Classes Team. Meet Keo Sreymom: Sewing Entrepreneur, Shop Manager and JWOC Teacher

My name is Keo Sreymom. I was born in Tebadey village, Treyhneur commune, Puok district, Siem Reap province in 1988. Now I am living Salakonseng village, Siem Reap. 21

I studied in the sewing course at JWOC for 8 months. I learnt two courses, Basic and Livelihood courses, successfully. I experienced a lot in each course- especially how to sell products in the market.

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In addition to being the new sewing teacher at JWOC, I work for the Angkor Handicraft Association as a seller, tailor and sewing teacher. In this role, I teach foreigners how to recycle and repurpose the plastic bags that are used to transport cement by the Plastic Kademi Company in Cambodia. The skill that I have learned from JWOC is very useful. I earn enough money to buy a sewing machine and hammer machine as well as operate a small sewing shop. At the small sewing shop that I manage, I receive many orders from other organizations, especially the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS).

All the results are because of the training I received from JWOC’s sewing class. The sewing class helps me and gives me the experience of how to produce products depending on market need- especially ordering from an organization. It makes me feel very proud of learning sewing at JWOC. Meet Thoeurn Sela: Sewing Mentor and Community Leader

I am Thoeurn Sela and I am 27 years old. I have 7 brothers and sisters. I am the fourth in my family. My parents are farmers. 23

I started school when I was 8 years old. Because of poverty in my family, I decided to stop studying when I was 16. I worked as a construction worker to support my family. I started learning sewing at JWOC when I was 20 years old. After I graduated from courses, I worked as a tailor for a clothes shop. Then I started running a shop at my home. Now I am working as a sewing teacher for Human and Hope Association (an NGO in Siem Reap). I have been working there since 2013. I do feel very happy with what income I can earn now. Moreover, I gain more experiences especially I am able to share my knowledge and skill to people in my community. They can get chance to learn specific skill for their daily living.

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Finally, I would love to say “Thank you” to JWOC who has opened the Sewing Program. The program helps me obtain a good and specific skill that changes my life for the better! Teacher Training and Development Teacher training and development is one of the focal activities of JWOC’s Free Classes Program. In November 2014, we conducted anonymous teacher surveys to understand what areas of training and support JWOC teachers are in need of. From those that completed the survey, we found that: 100% of teachers felt confident in their ability to deliver interesting lessons 67% of teachers use the internet to prepare lesson plans 90% of teachers would like to use technology more to facilitate lessons and activities

In 2014, we held 12 teacher development workshops with an average attendance rate of 90%.Highlights included:

A two-day training seminar on educational software and how to use technology to support student learning. Team4Tech and VMware team members conducted the training and there were 36 staff, teachers and JWOC

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alumni in attendance Collaboration with JWOC’s CLA team to deliver trainingto program staff on the different strategies and techniques for engaging both youth and adult audiences. Improved and innovative topics such as: English Game Design and Theory, Teaching Art and Identifying Developmental Stages Through Artwork, Differentiation in the Classroom, Receptive Skills, Classroom Management and Problem Solving.

“I was honored to be able to learn these new techniques for teaching English as a Second Language. I am so excited about the impact this will have on my community and I look forward to the possibility of working with Team4Tech and VMware again.” - Khoeurn, Free Classes Program Manager, on the two-day education technology training at JWOC

In addition to these formal trainings held the first Sunday of each month, we provide ongoing development through adhoc workshops at JWOC, a training budget for fulltime staff and teacher observations. Close to 75% of our teachers have been observed in the last year, and only a quarter require monthly observations. In 2015, we hope to formalize and implement our peer-to-peer evaluation system as another teacher development tool. And finally, another goal for 2015 is to provide our experienced teachers with more leadership and professional development opportunities. As of January 2015, we have initiated this goal by using our teacher development workshops as a platform for leadership development. Senior teachers now have the opportunity to present on a relevant topic and/or area of teaching practice.

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“My favorite teacher development workshop at JWOC was the one I did on Teaching English Strategies. This was my favorite because I was able to share my knowledge and experiences with others. In addition, I was able to improve my presentation and training skills.” – Kea, Free Classes Program Support Officer and Scholarship Student, on leading one of JWOC’s teacher development workshops

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Partnership Highlights During the winter holidays, JWOC welcomed 9 high school volunteers from Jay Pritzer Academy (JPA), a nonprofit educational institution that provides free education and meals for gifted students. Half the students volunteered with the art and library team, while the other half volunteer with the Under-8’s English classes team. When asked to summarize t heir volunteer experience at JWOC, one student wrote:

“In one word: Awesome! JWOC made my winter break the best holiday I’ve ever had. I’m glad I was apart of the [under-8 English class] group because I got see and learn about the kids in classes. It’s an experience of a lifetime!” You can read more about their experience by reading their posts on the JWOC blog.

In addition, JWOC also secured a partnership with the Sangkheum Center for Children, a model organization that has provided care, education, and training for disadvantaged youth in Siem Reap since 2001. 38 students (ages 6-17) living at the Sangkheum Center (or its urban housing areas) are enrolled in English classes at JWOC.

“It's great to hear from our children and young teenage girls about JWOC’s classroom environment. They really like the lesson and the activities. Once again, I would like to say thank you for the new classes.” – Ranny, Sangkheum Center Social Worker From Our Community to Yours: Thank You! 28

Thank you again for your wonderful support of JWOC’s Free Classes Program and the opportunity to impact lasting social change in Southeast Asia. We hope that you continue to stay connected and keep in touch through the following ways: Become a fan on Facebook Visit our website for periodic updates

Interested in donating to our Free Classes Program or other programs at JWOC? You can do so in a variety of ways, just click here.

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