Mobile Classroom is COMING!

PeopleStories is gearing up to implement Smart School Anywhere (SSA), a new initiative that has recently been approved by the Governor of Bakong and it will transform rural education from “Chalk & Talk” to “Flick & Click”. 
 
The key features of SSA are more ICT-trained teachers, greater digital literacy skills for children and supporting the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports’ strategic goals. The benefits will be greater school enrolments, lower dropouts, greater academic results and better future workforce.  Smart School Anywhere will be a role model for innovation, which we hope to roll out to more schools. ​

The first stage of SSA is to deploy a mobile classroom (tuk-tuking around) to help children in the villages with their digital learning.  In fact, the team has been working hard since June 2021 under the leadership of Chee Ming, our SSA Program Manager. 
 
Chee Ming was introduced to PeopleStories via a common friend who knows our Founder & CEO Victoria. His main role is the program management and infrastructure, tech and tools function.   
 
Like many other volunteers who came onboard, Chee Ming is not new to volunteering. His volunteer work is usually one-time and activity based like helping to deliver and set up PCs for the underprivileged and facilitating zoo visits for children with special needs.  What makes Chee Ming decide to take the plunge to help with PeopleStories work, which requires continuous efforts on a long-term basis? ​

Chee Ming mused, “PeopleStories provides a good opportunity for me to be more involved in volunteering work, one where I can be more directly involved in the overall end-to-end charity program.  It also allows me to learn the operations of a Charity organisation, from which my horizons are widened.  Perhaps this experience may lead to further opportunities in more charity operations or activities.” 
 
Working with the SSA team which is fully staffed by volunteers is a challenging process.  Hence, Chee Ming seeks to understand the working dynamics of the SSA team by adopting an open and receptive mindset to seek and learn continuously. 

Chee Ming elaborated earnestly, “Checking in and engaging in open conversations with team members and not hesitating to ask for help make the process an invigorating one.  I am fortunate to have Victoria, who has been coaching me along the way.  I continue to research and find ways to constructively contribute to the team even if it is outside of my domain knowledge.” 
 
With such a heavy responsibility, what is Chee Ming’s secret to striking a balance between the various commitments?  He emphasized, “I need to first recognise and internalise the accountability and responsibility of being a volunteer in SSA.  Then I incorporate the SSA time commitment in the daily work schedule such that it forms part of the daily work cycle.” 
 
What is fulfilling about working with the SSA team? Chee Ming said fervently, “The ability to make a difference in educating the underprivileged children, no matter how big or small. The ability to give back to society in general.” ​​

The SSA initiative aims to help young Cambodians with greater job readiness when they graduate from high school, arm them with the necessary skills for 21st century and transform lives through greater access to quality education.  This is in line with our eventful goal of sustainable partnership. 
  
What is something new Chee Ming is starting in 2022?  He shared readily, “I am working to improve and expand my current exercise plans to keep up my health and fitness. Equally important, I am also going to meet up more frequently with friends.  Especially when these have been hampered by the earlier Covid restrictions.” 
 
We are sure Chee Ming will be able to keep up with his resolutions by incorporating it into his daily schedule.  What about you?  What is something you are starting in 2022 as you gear up for the year?  Want to help the underprivileged students gear up too?   
 
 
Story written by: Volunteer Bok Hoon Ong ​