
TukTalk 70: Final workshop, toy creators, a swallow house next door
September 7, 2023
TukTalk 72: The 9th storybook, the library’s future, plans for 2024
November 20, 2023TukTalk · Issue 71 · October 2023
Last CLIP2 workshop, school visits, mobile library ends
The seventh and final CLIP2 workshop, the last follow-up school visits, the 7-year Mobile Library project ending, and a Rotary Pursat member interview.
The wet season is at the climax ☔

Hi everyone! We're reaching the heaviest rainy season here in Cambodia. The second half of the season has brought flooding to our city as excess water from the mountains overflowed into the river, submerging streets and houses. 😱 A partner school shared a video showing their flooded premises just a day after our visit. Luckily, houses on stilts or elevated ground remained safe, forming islands amidst the inundation.
Traditionally, the rainy season tends to conclude around the Water Festival, so we're hopeful that flood damage will be minimal in the next two months.
Though the situation is challenging, Cambodians exhibit remarkable resilience. They manage to find humor even in these circumstances! This resilient spirit is reflected in the Cambodian saying, "Oppanyaha (no problem)." 😊
Warm regards,
Adrian & Mayu & Milly 🦘👘 👶🏻
The last CLIP2 workshop 🏆

The CLIP2 project, which began in January 2022, is set to conclude this December, leading to the conclusion of all our ongoing activities.
The September workshop marked the final session. During this workshop, we successfully wrapped up the "Which Sport Is It?" project (details will be available in next month's issue!) and concluded the creation of worksheets on computers.
A member of the Rotary Club of Pursat (RCP) attending the workshop was pleasantly surprised to observe the teachers' enhanced computer skills since their last encounter. Some teachers dedicated their break time to silent practice, while others utilized their newfound knowledge to create original worksheets.
In the post-workshop survey, many teachers expressed that they found the computer training comprehensible, indicating a notable improvement in their computer skills. Subsequently, we were able to upload the worksheets they created to the website.
Teachers thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with the resource package of "Which Sport Is It?", which included songs, activity games, and board games. The materials they explored themselves are now being frequently utilized in their classrooms.
Towards the workshop's conclusion, we sought feedback on the worksheets being prepared by TukTuk. It was valuable to receive insightful opinions from both educational officers and teachers, bridging the gap between them.
The teachers voiced their enthusiasm to participate in next year's workshop, considering the seven workshops as an invaluable opportunity for learning new skills, such as TukTuk materials, classroom decoration, and computer operations. This experience was equally fulfilling for us. 😊
The teachers' improvements 💻

This marks the final round of school visits we conducted after each workshop. During these visits, we interviewed the teachers about their day-to-day classroom experiences, how frequently they utilized TukTuk materials, and their reflections on the two-year project.
Compared to the project's outset, all the teachers have undergone significant changes in their attitudes and abilities. Particularly noteworthy was one teacher's response when informed that the project would conclude this year and that she wouldn't be eligible for next year's participation. She confidently stated, "I believe I can create the worksheets and print and bind the book myself, just like the A3-size storybooks TukTuk provided. I'll manage! 👍"
Initially, many teachers used to request ongoing support, saying, "Please continue assisting us next year!" However, we now hear voices from various schools expressing sentiments like, "I can replicate the activity game we practiced in the last workshop," "I plan to create the craft showcased during the workshop," "I designed this worksheet independently," and "I put in my best effort to enhance my classroom further during the last school assessment," among others.
Reflecting on the project's inception, witnessing this transformation brought immense joy, and we are grateful to have collaborated with the 14 targeted teachers.
Additionally, we interviewed first-grade primary school teachers and found that children who attended preschools adapted swiftly to primary schools. Exposure to numbers and letters in preschool made teaching easier, and all teachers enthusiastically endorsed the idea of children attending preschools.
As the significance of preschool education gains prominence, we are committed to working alongside teachers, enhancing their skills, and continuing to elevate early childhood education in Cambodia. 💪💪
Khmer of the month
Khmer Word: Preah Kae
Due to the sizable population of Chinese ancestry, the tradition of moon-watching is also prevalent among the Khmer people. 🌕 In the Khmer language, this month is referred to as "Preah Kae (moon)." On this day, offerings of moon cakes and fruits are made. Despite the cloudy weather this year, obscuring a clear view of the moon, the night illuminated by the hidden moon amidst the clouds also possesses its charm.
Khmer Food: Chrouk (Pickles) 👇

Another project was finished, too... 🛺

The Mobile Library project, where we loaned out toys and storybooks, wrapped up its fantastic 7-year journey in September.
During these years, we received many toys and storybook donations from awesome folks in Japan, Australia, the UK, the Netherlands, and more! With these gifts, we brightened the lives of around 4,800 kids in 13 preschools. These toys and books became more than just playthings – they ignited kids' imaginations, fostered teamwork, and kindled their curiosity, all thanks to your generous donations.
Right now, our team is hard at work cleaning and organizing these treasures for their next adventure! Keep an eye out for our next update to get all the exciting details.
A massive shoutout to everyone who donated toys and picture books – your kindness has made a huge difference! THANK YOU🌟
Three months of results 🎊

Can you believe we've zoomed through the third quarter of this year? In these past months, we've been buzzing with excitement, pouring our energy into some fantastic activities:
- Completion of the 9th Tukbook, "Which Sport Is It?'' and its resource package
- The 7th workshop and follow-up school visits
- Annual survey related to the project
These last few months were all about tying up loose ends as we successfully completed all planned resource packages and brought our workshops and school visits to their grand finales.
Now, we're gearing up for our project closure meeting in November. And guess what? The end of the year will be a whirlwind because... drumroll, please... we've got a shiny new project on the horizon! 🤭 We're bursting to spill the beans, but you'll have to wait until next month's issue to get the full scoop. Stay tuned! 🌸
Voluntuker spotlight | Siep

This month, we're excited to introduce Siep, a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Pursat (RCP), who has been actively collaborating with us on the CLIP2 project for about a year and a half while serving as the president of RCP. Let's get to know him a bit better:
What's your role at RCP? In the past, I served as the president of RCP, where my responsibilities included setting RCP's overall direction and fostering connections with other organizations. Now, as a board member, I oversee RCP's finances, operations, and strategic planning. I also offer guidance and support to the current president and fellow members, ensuring RCP remains a robust club committed to community service.
What do you do outside RCP? I provide administrative support for a school run by the Rotary Club, handling various aspects like finance, human resources, IT, and facilities management.
Impression of CLIP2: CLIP2 is on a mission to decrease dropout rates, combat illiteracy, and enhance the quality of education for all children in Cambodia. The project collaborates with preschools and TukTuk to provide training and assistance to teachers, enabling them to create innovative teaching materials. This initiative has notably boosted school enrollment, enhanced students' reading skills, and decreased dropout rates. It stands as a valuable example of a multi-faceted approach to improving literacy rates.
Hopes for Preschool Education in Cambodia: I firmly believe that early childhood education can break the cycle of poverty by equipping children with essential skills for academic success and future employment opportunities. It also promotes the overall well-being of children, fostering happiness and good health. Furthermore, it plays a pivotal role in advancing gender equality by providing equal learning and developmental opportunities for both girls and boys
Siep has been a cornerstone of our efforts, serving as the initial head of RCP during much of CLIP2's journey. We hope he continues to witness and support our endeavors in the days to come. Once more, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the RCP members; their generous support empowers us to make a difference in Pursat Province 😊.
We are currently looking for volunteers with the following skill sets to help TukTuk bring educational resources to Cambodia;
- Google Ads
- Fundraising
If you want to get involved or know someone with skills that could help us spread positive education in Cambodia, hit that link below and say hi (we're friendly, we promise). 😉
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