Over 120 parents and families from around Battambang gathered under the big top at Phare Ponleu Selpak on 6 November 2023 to witness a special event organized by the Phare Education Department: The Highlights of Educational Achievements in 2023.
This gathering of students, parents, and teachers from Phare Kindergarten and Child Development Center (CDC) showcased student achievements, performances, obstacles faced and overcome in the past year, and a presentation to the parents of the plan for 2024.
What Happened at the Education Event
Photo credits: Jasmine-រដ្ឋ
The gathering featured several performances such as a circus show by kindergarten students, a dance performance by students from the Child Development Center, and most especially a theatre performance from the Phare Performing Arts School in order to showcase the many talents of Phare students across different age groups and abilities.
“I was delighted to host this event and proud to see the growth of our student’s abilities,” said Nekru PRANG Nhary, the Education Manager at Phare Ponleu Selpak. “Thank you to everyone for your participation and for sharing your good ideas. Although it’s going to be tough for us, Phare Ponleu Selpak will make sure that every education program includes the arts and is effective at teaching our students in the upcoming years.”
The community outreach event also featured speeches from Nekru Nhary on Phare’s educational accomplishments over the past year and the plan for 2024, including more arts integration at every level. Bong SOVANN Dara, the Student Social Support & Development Manager, also gave a brief presentation to the parents in attendance.
Why Performing Arts Were So Central to the Student Showcase
Including a performing arts showcase as part of the Educational Achievements event wasn’t just for entertainment, but to show parents and attendees how an arts education is applied to every level of schooling on the Phare campus. No other school in Battambang integrates the arts into educational programs to the same degree.
One parent at the event shared her perspective on why the arts matter in a child’s education.
“The doctor used to tell me that my son’s sickness prevented him from studying like other kids, but I didn’t give up and sent Mony to study at Phare,” said Mony’s mother. “I’m delighted to see how my son has grown now after joining this school. In addition to making great progress in his academics, he also has a positive outlook.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Highlights of Educational Achievements in 2023 event showed parents precisely what teachers are sharing at Phare Ponleu Selpak, and what those lessons have achieved. The showcase also illustrated how the arts are essential for developing a student’s abilities both in and out of the traditional classroom.
Want to be a part of helping our education program? Contribute to Phare Ponleu Selpak and change the lives of Cambodian children and youth through the power of the arts.
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