Student Enrichment Programs: Nurturing Curiosity & Creativity
In Cambodia’s rural schools, lessons often centre on memorization, reading, writing, and arithmetic taught by rote. Our enrichment programs in Srayang, Koh Ker, Romcheck, Prey Kuol and Chreav open a new world of learning, where curiosity and creativity take root. These activities invite students to think critically, explore ideas, and discover what lights them up.
For many children, school is the only place where imagination gets a voice. By introducing arts, music, and strategy games, we make education engaging and meaningful, especially for those who receive not a lot of encouragement at home to attend.
From Chess Clubs that sharpen logic and build confidence, to Arts & Crafts sessions that spark creativity and early problem-solving, each program expands how children see themselves and their possibilities. They dive into English, Math, and Khmer, explore computers and eLearning, and discover the joy of books through reading circles and study groups.
Beyond the classroom, students engage in fun Science Clubs, lively Spelling Bees, exciting Field Trips, and energetic Sports Field Days, activities that make learning playful, meaningful, and unforgettable. These experiences ignite curiosity, nurture talents, and help every child dream bigger than ever before.
Empowering Students & Families Through Life Skills Workshops
Workshops are a cornerstone of our students’ education, equipping them with essential life skills like personal hygiene, nutrition, goal-setting, resilience, and problem-solving. So far, we’ve offered Toothbrushing and Handwashing workshops, complete with toothbrushes, for both parents and students, as well as Food Hygiene and Parenting Skills sessions for parents. Our larger sessions have covered sexual health, and contraceptives, with menstrual kits distributed; it was especially encouraging to see many fathers participate, an uncommon and meaningful milestone.
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An evolving vital part of the program is engaging parents directly. Workshops such as Positive Parenting, Money Management, and Rights of Children help parents, many of whom had little schooling themselves, better support their children’s education. These sessions spark robust conversations, shift mindsets, and build “push” at home, reinforcing the value of learning. Family involvement has proven to be a powerful, low-cost way to magnify the impact of education and open doors for students.
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These workshops transform students and families alike. Students gain confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills, while parents learn practical tools. Increasingly engaged mothers and fathers help reinforce these lessons at home, creating a supportive environment that empowers the whole family to make informed choices, and shape a brighter future.
Building a Stronger Future Through Teacher Training
High-quality education starts with well-trained teachers. In Cambodia, many government teachers in rural areas teach grades they themselves never completed, and pedagogical training is rare. At PLF Canada, we help equip teachers, some of whom are former students, or community members, with the skills and confidence to inspire their students.
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Our programs include sending teachers to local training colleges, bringing in global experts, and providing ongoing professional development. We’ve also launched a technology push, training librarians and teachers to use computers, manage data, and incorporate digital resources into their classrooms. Even in schools with limited infrastructure, these efforts bridge the digital divide, enhance teaching, and ensure every child can access meaningful learning.​
Through training, mentorship, and innovation, we’re not just teaching students, we’re empowering educators to transform entire communities.