Language School Sponsorship

Journeys Within Our Community (JWOC) sponsors two language schools in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Both schools are located at Buddhist temples because they are traditionally the centers for education within Cambodian communities. One school is located at Wat Thmei at the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields Pagoda and offers daily classes in English. The second school is at Wat Chork on the south side of Siem Reap. At Wat Chork students can take classes in English, Japanese, computer skills, traditional Khmer dancing and photography. JWOC provides the school with the necessary teachers, volunteers, materials, and resources to provide a free supplementary education for the attending students. Most students range in age from 10 to 30 years old and come from all over Siem Reap.

Background and Goals

Due to the fact that many government schools in Cambodia do not teach foreign languages and many families can not afford to send their children to private schools, this may be the only opportunity these students have to learn a foreign language.

The goal of the language schools is to give any student who desires knowledge of a foreign language or vocational skill the opportunity to learn. With this knowledge, students can expect better employment opportunities in the growing Southeast Asia hospitality and tourism industries.

Education through Computers Program

JWOC has recently started the Education through Computers Program, which offers students the opportunity to participate in a free training course to learn how to use computers.

Within the education system in Cambodia, there is a void in the access and knowledge of computers. This phenomenon, known commonly as the ‘digital divide,’ affects entire communities in the region because government schools do not offer computer training or almost any form of technological education. A basic understanding of computers can be a fundamental tool in the preparation of a student’s future.

With the Education through Computers Program, JWOC hopes to lead the way towards improved educational programs that will address the ambitions of the students on a local level and the growing problem of the ‘digital divide’ in Cambodia on a broader level.

With the help of donors, JWOC has twenty second-hand computers, along with desks and chairs, electricity, and reference materials at Wat Chork. These computers are equipped with educational software which provide the ability to aquire basic computer skills. The software includes Microsoft Office, Typing Exercises, Language Translation and Dictionary resources, as well as Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia. In the future, JWOC hopes to connect the computers to the internet.

Meet the Teachers

Click on the link above to meet a few of our teachers.

Past Improvements

Click on the link above to see past improvements at Wat Thmei.

More Photos

Click on the link above to see more photos of Wat Thmei and the students.