Jimmy's mission is to see the children around him lead better lives and help Cambodia strive as a nation, starting with his hometown of Siem Reap, while preserving their culture and humble way of life.
Teaching English to the children in Cambodia
Jimmy's desire is to bring prosperity to his community through education. Having seen first hand the inadequacy or altogether lack of English instruction in the public schools, he realized that the children in the area would not have access to one of the most important classes when growing up in a developing nation.
It was clear to him that, if these kids were going to learn English, he would have to do something to help so, after completing his own studies, many of which consisted of learning English on his own from tourists, Jimmy dreamed of opening his own school. He wanted to share his knowledge of English with the children in the community.
“I want to see each one of you become a leader of yourself, to think for yourself, stand up and spread your culture and philosophy.”
Feeding a thirst for eduaction
He first needed a plot of land in Siem Reap, where rising touristic popularity continues to drive costs up. After some planning and negotiation, his mother let him use her small front yard, and Jimmy held his first class on August 1st 2011. Several street kids from behind Jimmy’s village registered, as well as a number of neighbourhood children. From there word quickly spread and new kids were showing up every day.
Since then, he has been providing 3 free classes every day. Jimmy single handedly plans and teaches every one of them, and all that he asks in return from his students is dedication and consistent attendance. Any traveler that sits in on one of his classes will see that the kids are all too eager to provide both.
Children attend Jimmy's Village School willingly, after finishing their local public school classes, and despite already filling up their free time at home helping with chores or in their parents' shops.
Cambodian children's understanding of the value of education and desire to learn is in stark contrast with many Western children's attitudes (including my own growing up) who are grudgingly dragged to school daily by their parents. They consider themselves fortunate to have someone like Jimmy provide them with lessons, even though his school is extracurricular, operating from 5-7pm, and already spend all their free time in the morning and evening helping at home with chores and work.
More than just English Lessons
Jimmy loves the Khmer language and culture very much, and continues to stress the importance of preserving it and encouraging his students to practice it, even as he is teaching English. His desire is to bring prosperity while maintaining the Khmer way of life, one that travelers always marvel at with its humbleness, constant gratitude, and warm hospitality.
As a passionate teacher, Jimmy inspires by example. His mission is to demonstrate the possibilities, help students establish their life goals. Every day Jimmy reminds kids at school to dream big, to care about people and environment around them, to work hard, and make a difference in the world, and be true to yourself.
“Cambodians have big hearts. One day you will become successful, but don’t forget who you are and where you came from”
Jimmy’s school is not just a place to memorize foreign words, it’s a daily practice to develop communication skills, to understand different perspectives, learn forgiveness and acceptance of other cultures, believe in yourself and, most of all, learn to dream.
Future Education plans
As the number of children wishing to attend Jimmy's classes continues to increase, he is realizing that space is becoming limited. Furthermore, he is woefully aware of the children in the many surrounding villages that simply live too far to attend his classes. His dreams include opening a much larger school on the outskirts of the city where more children could attend, as well as a mobile school so he can spread his education on a much wider area.