PUTTING THE GOALS INTO ACTION

Three Weeks in Ireland

Representatives from SeeBeyondBorders, PEPY, DPETNS and INTO met Minister Cannon in Iveagh House, Dublin

Six Cambodians have just returned from Ireland after the most successful exchange trip to date. Four PEPY Representatives were joined by two members of SeeBeyondBorders’ Cambodian Leadership Team. Pov and Reasmey from SeeBeyondBorders, travelled to Ireland to meet a number of different stakeholders involved in the Irish Education System. PEPY teachers Savoeng and Soury accompanied Scholarship Students Sina and Phearith for the three week exchange trip.

Chilly weather but happy faces

SeeBeyondBorders’ Regional Manager Sarah Reynolds, and Director of Development Colm Byrne accompanied the Cambodians on the trip, which successfully started the process of establishing institutional links between Irish organisations and SeeBeyondBorders. This trip was funded by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation for both Cambodian NGOs and we would like to thank them sincerely for their support.

The trip was a resounding success with many positive outcomes. Highlights included:

  • A meeting with Minister of State, Ciarán Cannon, who has responsibility for International Development. Our delegation thanked the Minister for the support we have received from Irish Aid and Minister Cannon spoke of the paramount importance which education plays in creating positive changemakers in both Cambodia and Ireland.

Presenting Minister Cannon with a scarf knitted in Cambodia by Pov’s wife.

  • Inspiring discussions with senior individuals at DCU Institute of Education, Ireland’s largest teacher training college. Discussions focused on enhancing teacher performance and learning in classrooms. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with DCU in the months ahead and welcoming a reciprocal visit to Cambodia.
  • Participation in Cambodia-Ireland Day at Donabate-Portrane Educate Together National School. All the children took part in a running relay re-creating different legs of the journey between Dublin and Siem Reap. The Cambodians really enjoyed joining in!
  • A fantastic Community Walk organised by Donabate Portrane Community College. Well done to everyone in DPCC, who played a big role in organising this day and all the activities that took place in the school this year. This was really tremendous to see.

    Staff in DCC prepare for the Community Run

  • Sharing of best practice with John Fitzgerald, who is a representative from Ireland’s School Inspectorate team.
  • Visits to Balbriggan Educate Together, Greenhills Community College and Francis Street.
  • An opportunity to thank Irish-based company, Horseware, for their very valuable support for SeeBeyondBorders. Horseware have manufacturing facilities in Cambodia and we benefited from a tour around their facilities in Ireland too. A truly socially aware company.

    Pov presents Horseware CEO Tom with a special painting

  • A presentation lecture given by Pov and Reasmey to Development Education students at Marino Teaching College.
  • An incredible weekend getaway for the PEPY students and teachers with DPETNS teachers.

Jump up for the partnership

It was a fantastic trip and we are very hopeful that these important links will assist us in our work with the Cambodian Ministry of Education to improve the quality of teaching in schools across the country. The feedback received from Irish educators and students was very positive and we are full of optimism for the future of our now enhanced and growing partnership!

 

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