Internet at the Center!

Thanks to the tireless work of Liz Morris (a friend of the centers) who tracked down internet companies, and the generous donation of the initial installation cost from Dr Al Chalabi, the center now has internet access! This opens up a whole new world for our students.

The children having a turn.

Our older members are now able to learn crucial new skills for employment through their lessons with Buntha, our computer teacher. He can show them all the basics of booking programs, emails, research, etc, which are so valued by employers.  The younger ones finally have access to interesting learning sites (plus games as rewards), and we as teachers, have access to a huge variety of new ideas and learning resources to show the children.

Buntha getting his class ready.

Everyone is thrilled. Thank you!

 

Gardening Again

Growing our own seeds

Our pumpkins have taken off! Whether we will get any vegetables growing, or whether it will just remain purely for decoration and shade is yet to be seen. The concrete environment of the playground is already far more refreshing with all the greenery, so it is enough of a result by itself.

After this collective effort we decided it was time to give the children a go by themselves. We had a lesson explaining the importance of plants and how they grow (never touched on in schools). Each child was then given a pot and earth to plant their own seeds. They got to pick between tomatoes, lettuce and radishes. Each child was told they would be responsible for their own individual plant to see if they could make it grow.

Digging the soil.

Preparing their seeds.

Keeping an eye on them.

They were all really enthusiastic, from the youngest members right up to our oldest, everyone wanted a turn. We watched the children remember to water their plants carefully each day, and so far they are coming on really well. hopefully enough of them will last into proper plants, so the children can really see the process. Fingers crossed!

Starting to grow!

 

Football Competition

The starting line-up with Morng our coach and Henrik who had come along to support.

The Goodwill football team have just finished competing in their first tournament (held by M’lop Tapang). There were 11 teams (each of 8 players, plus substitutes) taking part from organizations all around Sihanoukville. Players had to  under 14 years of age and matches lasted 20 minutes.

Shaking hands

All in position.

Official referee.

Getting ready to start.

Loads of people turned out to watch and combined with the noise of the commentary over the microphones their cheering made for a great atmosphere. Our players really got to feel like they were part of something important.

Everyone enjoying their day.

Considering it was their first time playing in front of a large crowd (so nerves were kicking in) the team did really well, drawing their first match 0-0, loosing their second 2-1, drawing their third 0-0 and winning their last 2-0. While they didn’t get enough points to qualify to the finals the team came away feeling they had done themselves and the center proud. It was a great few days!

GWFC!