Our final day began with a morning visit to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields to learn more about the genocide and atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge on the Cambodian people less than 50years ago. Students had a difficult time hearing the stories and walking around the fields - seeing the mass graves and human remains and clothing, which continue to surface many years after as the rain washes them up to the surface. It was an important experience, especially in understanding how, why and where the children of Sok Sabay have come from. The students returned to have lunch together at Sok Sabay and spent the afternoon rehearsing their musical performances for final recording. Costumes were also designed and made for final photographs, which all children enjoyed thoroughly. Go karts and bumper cars finished off the afternoon and everyone enjoyed their final time together, before goodbyes, hugs and tears were shared. After a short, mindful dinner, the ISS students were ready to write their final reflections for their week without walls experience, making connections to how their time in Phnom Penh and Sok Sabay have helped them become better global citizens. Tomorrow we leave for the airport at 6:30am, and we are all very much looking forward to returning home to share our experiences with our families and friends!
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Day 3 of our trip, and our ISS students were much more familiar with their new Sok Sabay friends. Our morning was busy with an arts and craft activity, with everyone making masks for the ISS school musical production (to take place May 2019). All children had a mindfully enjoyable time being creative and artistic together! Students enjoyed a delicious lunch afterward provided by Sok Sabay staff, before running two workshops on science and yoga. More musical rehearsals followed with Mr Lebon in preparation for the final presentations (tomorrow), before a fun time at the local swimming pool together and an ice-cream treat afterwards. Sok Sabay children returned home, and ISS students continued on to visit the Cambodian Royal Palace to learn more about Khmer history and culture. Sudden downpour of rain stopped us from a sight-seeing walk along the river, but we did enjoy a yummy pizza dinner before heading back to the hotel for some much needed rest and reflection. ISS students are beginning to learn a lot more about Sok Sabay and Cambodian history and culture, and in doing so, are beginning to expand their own understanding of what it means to be a better global citizen!
ISS students enjoyed meeting the Sok Sabay students for the first time this morning! After a few ice breakers and games, students from ISS and Sok Sabay were able to transcend language and cultural barriers to make friends and connect to learn more about each other. Our students enjoyed seeing the children of Sok Sabay show them their musical talents - singing, dancing and even playing violin! In turn, our students enjoyed giving back by leading workshops in Science, Sports, Japanese dance and “Mamma” singing. All students enjoyed lunch together before setting off for the interactive Science Museum, where they could interact with the simulations and experiences in a fun and engaging way. ISS students proceeded to the Russian Market where they had an hour to peruse the Cambodian fares and practise their bargaining skills! Rest and refresh at the hotel for an hour, before heading back to the Thai dinner place down the road from the hotel. Another exciting yet exhausting day, and an early night was most welcome!
We arrived safely in Phnom Penh and made it to our hotel around 3:30pm. We had a quick hour to rest before heading out for a sight seeing walk, taking in all the sights and sounds of the city centre in Phnom Penh. We even chanced upon a Cambodian version of Zumba in a public square, so joined in for a little exercise to get the blood pumping and re-energising ourselves after a long day of travel. At sunset, we decided to take a tuk tuk ride to see more of Phnom Penh, and drive by the Royal Palace before returning to the hotel for a quick change and dinner down the street. Yummy thai food was enjoyed, and an early night to reflect on the first day was appreciated. Tomorrow we prepare to go to Sok Sabay, to meet the children for the first time. A new adventure awaits, and hopefully the students (and staff) get some good rest for the day ahead!
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