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Digital School Made History!

26/8/2022

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The PeopleStories Digital School (PSDS) Pilot Program went live on June 7, 2022 and has now concluded the Launch 1.  There have been two interim reviews and we’re excited to look at what we’ve learned and hear from our children and teachers about their experience.

Smart School Anywhere is all about bringing scalable, mobile, digital solutions to rural Cambodia and the PSDS Pilot Program was stage 1.  Practically this meant converting an old TukTuk to a mobile classroom that can carry laptops plus remote servers going to different schools (or community spaces) enabling digital learning anywhere anytime.  These learning modules were all developed in house by a group of amazing L&D experts and educators who are our virtual volunteers!  PSDS offers quality e-learning to supplement the government curriculum and gives children the best chance to learn and complete school.  Our team at PeopleStories absolutely rose to the challenge without hesitation. 
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Volunteer and PSDG Program Manager Chee Ming established the technology enablement and guided the development team on this journey to the new, digital way of learning.  During the pilot the team quickly realized that their assumption about the children’s exposure to technologies needed to be recalibrated.  Chee Ming explained, “We were able to make adjustments to the e-learning delivery approach and content as we progressed.  Additionally, as the SSA digital school required our team to develop the e-learning content from the ground up, we have had to constantly revisit, adjust, and fine tune the content on the fly as they were being developed.

School Director Nika, who has great concern for her students’ learning, especially during the pandemic, is very excited about PSDS and shared, “We hope that Digital School will help our students and make them want to study.  And for our school, it is the first school in Bakong District that has this program and we are so proud working with PeopleStories.”


As with any new idea being introduced to children, for the idea to be successful the children need to buy into what’s being offered to them.  Student Reurn is in Grade 8 and she likes e-learning very much and is excited to be learning basic computer skills.  In the classroom she takes time to understand and listen to the teacher.  Reurn shared, “I come to e-learning regularly because I don’t want to miss the lessons.  I think it’s very important for me.  It will help me when I start work.”

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Grade 7 student, Koun, said it is taking him a little longer to understand e-learning.  He believes e-learning is important and likes this new way of learning.  Koun said, “I am very happy with having the basic knowledge of the computer.  I’m always excited for the next e-learning class.”
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Hearing the excitement from the students is sure to make Chee Ming and the Learning & Development team very proud!  What started as a group of strangers has quickly turned into a strong team, bonded by a common goal to provide better, quality education to the deserving community through our Smart School Anywhere program.  Chee Ming expressed, “I am extremely proud of the team, always working together as a team, putting in the extra effort for the benefits of the children.”  
Reflecting on this inspiring collaboration he continued, “Never underestimate the impact and contribution you can have to the bigger cause.  Be bold and take the first step, you will always find friends with common aspirations in your journey.”

From school directors to students to volunteers, it seems everyone is loving PSDS.  The pandemic forced the world to reimagine the classroom and education and for PeopleStories that meant putting together teams of volunteers and further reimagine getting quality education to the deserving children in rural Cambodia. 

Chee Ming said it best, “I feel very fortunate to be given the opportunity to contribute in ways that I can as part of the bigger team.  I am humbled by the resilience and positivity of the local, deserving children who continue to chase their dreams amid their challenging environment and situation.” 

Would you like to be a part of the bigger team?  Help a child today complete school so they can have a fighting chance at a brighter future: PeopleStories SchoolForLife 2022

Story written by: Volunteer Kathy Aunkst
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Ready, Set, Go Digital School!!

27/6/2022

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Now that Covid-19 is no longer keeping us in our houses and the world is settling into its “new normal,” it feels like a time to get back on track.  For PeopleStories, getting back on track means giving deserving children in rural Cambodia greater access to quality education. 

Unfortunately, Cambodia has struggled in education for decades.  According to a UNICEF report, “Children continue to fall behind in school for a number of reasons, including not being adequately prepared for school, experiencing poor quality teaching and learning, and attending school irregularly.  This eventually leads to many of them dropping out altogether.”

Amid the global pandemic educators around the world scrambled to figure out the best approach to continue educating its youth.  Online learning became a household term very quickly.  Laptops were being handed out.  Zoom became a classroom.  In the rural villages of Cambodia, our children don’t have the luxury of digital devices or internet access.  Many of the children come from poor families and they cannot afford computers, tablets, or smartphones.  There is not sufficient internet access and connectivity is a debilitating issue in the rural areas. ​
The pandemic also heightened the already existing education inequities in rural, poverty stricken communities.  There was no more looking the other way and the time is now to bridge this gap!  The Minister of Education, Hang Chuon Naron remarked that it’s time for the new generation of teachers and educators to work together to develop learning that focuses on problem solving and apply modern technologies and devices. He further said, “Qualified teachers today must guide students using a wide range of 21st century methodology so students can conduct research, give presentations, and work on group projects.  He continued, “Of course, teachers alone cannot bring reform into the real world, management must also do its part, while we also need investing partners and support from the government.” ​
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PeopleStories and its dedicated team of local and international volunteers came together and brainstormed to come up with a program to best serve the children’s education needs.  After months of meetings, sweat and tears, Smart School Anywhere was born!  Our Founder, Victoria said, “Smart School Anywhere will bring education to rural children via a ‘classroom on wheels!’  This deployment of a mobile classroom equipped with digital education capabilities will benefit many children at Rolous Secondary School and Chea Smonn Secondary School.”

Digital School is Stage 1 of Smart School Anywhere and it went live this month!  It’s a very exciting time for all of us.  I spoke with our virtual volunteer, Roberta, who is leading the Learning and Design team and asked her to describe some of the challenges faced during the Digital School development process.  Roberta reflected on the Covid pandemic delaying two launch dates in early 2022.  She also shared, “There have been a few hurdles along the way, like ascertaining a curriculum for our first course to match our learners’ knowledge level and needs in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).”

For many of the children, this is their first time ever sitting down at a laptop.  The basics of learning what a keyboard is, and a mouse, and how to use them was part of a 3-session orientation.  Overall, the children are very excited about Digital School and eager to learn more.  We were very curious to find out what the children were feeling after they had a chance to get hands-on time on the computers.  Student Pheak explained how he is very excited about digital school and always comes to class early and said, “I’m interested in this digital school so much and my parents also help urge me to come to school on time and regularly.”  
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Student Dara was also thrilled to be chosen to participate in digital school and happily shared, “I feel more excited to touch the real computer.  I can understand every point that the teacher explained very well!”  Student Kosal, whose dream is to be a policeman when he grows up, said, “I feel very excited and happy to learn with the real computer.  I like to learn computer so much because it will be useful for my future job.”

Roberta wrapped up her thoughts from the development side of Digital School and expressed, “Digital School has been over a year in the making and I’m very excited for this launch.  A tremendous amount of attentive thought, learning and effort has come together from the team of local and international volunteers.”  

She continued, “My hope is for the students to grow in their awareness of learning through a digital platform, and that these experiences will form the groundwork to launch them onto new pathways for their future.”​
​The Cambodian people are resilient and hard working and given the proper tools, and opportunities, will overcome their challenges, including the obstacles hindering their advancement in education.  Obstacles like limited internet connection, lack of digital devices, and digital illiteracy.  ​

These deserving children in rural Cambodia need access to quality education for them to uplift themselves from poverty.  Our Smart School Anywhere and Digital School will equip the children with the skills for a brighter future.  Victoria humbly shared, “Our Digital School uses a remote server that holds all of our learning contents.  It does not require any internet, but learning feels similar to online as our e-learning units are in web pages/web-based.”

It’s evident the children have excitement for learning. They are ready to learn about the digital world. Can you feel the hope and excitement in their words about Digital School?  
 
Join us and help uplift the future generations.  100% of donations goes directly to keep our programs like Smart School Anywhere and Digital School continue.:  PeopleStories SchoolForLife 2022 (raisely.com)

Story written by: Volunteer Kathy Aunkst
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Mobile School Pulling Into Villages

15/2/2022

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Since 2020 and with COVID spreading fast, children in rural Cambodia could not access any learning for months and this is what sparked the idea for a Mobile School.
 
Together with the district Governor of Bakong, PeopleStories recently announced the Smart School Anywhere initiative to bring digital and vocational learning to children in rural Cambodia. 
 
Director of the Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports (Bakong District) Mr. Tann Reangsey said, “One thing we (the Ministry) value about working with PeopleStories is our ‘common goal’ which is to help our children gain a better future through education. I really enjoy our open, honest and understanding partnership with PeopleStories.” 
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Stage 1 of Smart School Anywhere is launching a Mobile School, bringing digital learning to Secondary Schools in rural Cambodia. The Mobile School is nearing its launch! With the help of a very determined tuk tuk, children in the villages will have digital education resources brought to them. 
 
Speaking of the tuk tuk; a local tuk tuk driver wanted to donate his “retired” (and very broken) tuk tuk to us.  Our Founder & CEO Victoria, accepted the driver’s kind donation and worked with teacher Kimsong to find a local repairer to convert the once passenger tuk tuk into a carriage / classroom. 
 
Teacher Kimsong shared, “Because the tuk tuk was so broken, it took a month to repair, replacing many parts, right down to the wheels.”
Developing digital programs to bring to the children has been a huge part of making the Mobile School a reality. Our international volunteer Vata has been working hard with others in the development of the e-learning modules. Vata shared, “I am glad to be part of the Learning & Development team.  Currently I am supporting our Smart School Anywhere project by designing the Information & Communications Technology (ICT) e-learning modules.” 
 
He continued, “I am pretty excited about getting the children to discover the world of ICT in a fun way.”
 
Bringing digital learning to some of the most remote areas of Cambodia certainly presents unique challenges. Access to stable internet and children that do not have experience with online technology are just a couple of those hurdles that need to be explored when creating digital educational programs. 
Vata expressed how he had to keep these things in mind while bringing his programming ideas to the table and shared, “Yes, of course in these types of projects there are lots of challenges and things we need to bear in mind when creating a program, the first one being the user experience, then we have the language barriers and finally the content to be aligned with the Ministry of Education. How to overcome these is with two simple words: creativity and adaptability.”
 
The Mobile School pilot is scheduled to go live on 21 Feb and it will be at Chea Smonn secondary school. 
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Lowering school drop-out, keeping the children engaged in education, teaching them 21st century skills to better their lives is at the heart of this project.  Everyone involved has been working hard for months to get to this moment with one clear purpose: to bring quality education to the Cambodian children. 
 
Help empower the next generation today: https://ps-schoolforlife2022.raisely.com
 
 
Story written by: Volunteer Kathy Aunkst
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Mobile Classroom is COMING!

12/1/2022

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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. ​
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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.” ​​
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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 ​
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Annoucement - Smart School Anywhere!

29/9/2021

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We are excited to announce that the Ministry of Education, Youth & Sport in Bakong District has agreed to partner with PeopleStories to implement our new program Smart School Anywhere (SSA). ​
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Read more about SSA
Our founder Victoria shared the idea origination of SSA, “When schools have to close due to Covid-19 back in 2020, we as a team started mapping out steps to ensure learning doesn’t stop for the children in rural Cambodia.”   
 
At a meeting on September 18, 2021, Director Tann Reangsey from the Ministry together with some of our partner school directors made an agreement to partner with PeopleStories to implement SSA in Bakong District.  Director Reangsey shared, “I am very proud of what PeopleStories has achieved in the Bakong District, especially during the COVID-19 period in the past 2 years.  Without the support from PeopleStories since 2017, many students would not be supported or have access to education.”   ​
With sparks in her eyes, Victoria further shared, “Smart School Anywhere Phase 1 will bring digital learning to secondary school children via a Mobile Classroom as early as January 2022.  I am forever grateful for our team of well-qualified professionals donating their time and expertise, we are now developing a series of e-learning units using effective design principles”. 

​The concept of a Mobile Classroom will bring along necessary digital equipment including laptops starting with Rolous and Chea Smonn Secondary Schools in Bakong as early as January 2022. Children will enjoy free digital learning classes of: Technology, Critical Thinking, Mathematics, English and Khmer.  The road map shows our projections of the 3 key phases of Smart School Anywhere.
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With 1 in 5 children dropping out of school, PeopleStories is committed to enable children with greater access to quality education in rural Cambodia.  With Smart School Anywhere initiative, we aim 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. 
 
The key features of Smart School Anywhere are more ICT-trained teachers, greater ICT skills for students 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. ​
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Director Reangsey also shared with much excitement, “One thing we (the Ministry) value a lot about working with PeopleStories is our ‘Common Goal’ which is to help our children to gain a better future through education.  I really enjoy our open, honest and understanding relationship.  I have had conversations with Ms Victoria where she repeatedly understand our needs and recognized our difficulties.  She is willing to comprise for a mutually beneficial decision.  This is truly working together and sharing the same dream.”   
 
Something good has come out from the unfortunate school closure.  It has accelerated the digital learning for our students.  In fact, over the last few months, we have shared some success stories of our students thriving in the digital age despite the stumbling blocks. Have a read of these inspiring stories from students SreyMey, Sambath, Pokim and Bunsao. ​
PeopleStories is currently seeking for partners to work together for our new initiative Smart School Anywhere. We are looking for an education institute and a technology company to partner with us in transform education from “Chalk & Talk” to “Flick & Click”. Email us at Team@PeopleStoriesCharity.org to start your change maker journey with PeopleStories. 
 
Story written by: Volunteers Bok Hoon Ong and Pei Khoek ​
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  • PeopleStories
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    • Smart School Anywhere
    • School for Life
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  • Support Us
    • Gifts for Good Singapore (Dec 22)
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