The Phnom Penh Dormitories are moving into a new phase. Many have contributed to the development of the dormitory, most notably, the missionaries from the Bible Education Centre who have provided a programme of spiritual development and given many hours of their time in pursuit of improvements in other ways. This assistance has been invaluable and we look forward to the contributions of many more volunteers over the coming year.
We are starting to see dormitory students reach the end of their studies and begin looking for employment in their chosen professions. This year, we see the graduation of Putha and Sarith from teacher training college. We wish both of them the best in their provincial postings. Brothers Vitou, Vanny, Veasna and Long Ang are all graduating this year from various English and accounting courses. While some look to continue higher education, others will begin their job search in September. We have had other students moving on for the sake of work and sometimes leaving due to sickness. We have seen the departure of Bro Seang Kosal, Thyda, Sokha, Saody, Chomnea and Vannak over the last few months.
While this is a sad time for the dormitory, the loss of old faces will mean the presence of new, all looking for different opportunities in their studies. We welcome Somnang, Proh and Tut, with a few more faces to come in the near future. We also welcome back Brother ‘K’ Kosal from his stay in New Zealand. He brings with him his bride, Sarah. Although they won’t be living at the dormitory, we trust that they will be regular visitors and supporters of the work there.
As we look forward to entering a new semester, Brother Him, Sister Theavy and Sister Kimsrean will be working hard to implement some new initiatives at the dormitory. At the present time, we are working on paperwork to improve our practice. Health and Safety procedures, improved documentation and a series of new programmes for providing students with education in social and ecological issues are in the planning stages.
We also hope to unveil a new lending library of student texts, courtesy of a Jewish resident of Australia who has donated money received as reparation for funds seized during the rule of Nazi Germany. This money was to have been for his university education and so it is wonderful that this money can finally be used for the same purpose, even if it is many decades later.
My experience of university students in Cambodia has shown that most students focused on securing work, study economics, banking or accounting. While this study is motivated mostly by necessity, it is rare to hear of a student studying the sciences, music or arts, particularly Khmer language and culture. It is my hope that the education department in Cambodia will seek to emphasise cultural studies and study of the sciences more often. Until then, it may require financial support for fees to encourage this to happen.