MEET THE TEAM IN CAMBODIA
We couldn’t do what we do without the hard work, guidance and wisdom of our most wonderful staff in Cambodia.
Our Cambodian team brings deep local knowledge, long-standing relationships and extensive educational experience to CCT’s work. Many have worked alongside communities, schools and teacher training centres for years and play a central role in the development and delivery of our programmes. Their leadership, commitment and understanding of the Cambodian education system are fundamental to the strength and sustainability of CCT’s work.
CCT’s work is built on long-term relationships, mutual trust and a shared commitment to strengthening educational opportunities for Cambodian children and communities.
MEET SOEUN
Ouch Soeun has been the Country Manager of the Cambodia Charitable Trust since 2008. He has a Master of Education degree and is a teacher trainer at Takeo Teacher Training College in Cambodia. Soeun has more than 30 years’ experience in education and teacher development in Cambodia and is recognised as a Master Teacher Trainer. He has played a central role in the development of CCT’s teacher training and school support programmes and works closely with school leaders, Provincial Teacher Training Centres and MOEYS.
He previously worked for Volunteer Service Abroad New Zealand for six years and the International Baccalaureate Organization Asia/Pacific’s Cambodia Teacher Training Project for more than 10 years as Project Coordinator.
He is a strong supporter of CCT’s goals to transform the lives of Cambodian children through education and develop the next generation of teachers.
“My work with CCT means I am able to work closely with pre-service and in-service teachers, schools and children. We can break poverty by providing quality education,” says Soeun.
“We have formed a strong team at CCT, with local and international volunteers working together towards the same goals.
“Good job, good life!”
MEET CHREAN
One of the incredible women who work for the Cambodia Charitable Trust is Sem Chrean, our Sponsored Children Manager in Cambodia (pictured here with the Minister for Education, Youth and Sport and CCT Founder Denise Arnold).
Chrean is also a teacher in the Takeo Provincial Office of Education Youth and Sport and a mum of two young children.
Chrean has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the Asia Euro University (Phnom Penh) and has attended learning and development programs at SEAMEO INNOTECH in the Philippines.
She grew up in a rural area where education is less valued and little information about study or career options.
“My current position and responsibility at CCT can help people, especially female students in the rural areas, to have the opportunity to receive higher education and make their own decisions for their future.
“My work gives me excitement and happiness when I can see our sponsored students who come from poor families can sit in the classroom with a smiling and hopeful face. They have enough study materials, new school uniforms, a bike for riding to school, money for buying food, hygiene materials to use, new clothes and shoes to wear, and some money remaining for the family needs.”
MEET SAVOEUN
Vong Savoeun is the manager of the Kampot project of the Cambodian Charitable Trust. He is an experienced teacher trainer and holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a Master’s degree in Educational Science.
Some of the activities he is involved in with CCT include training teachers, running remedial classes for students, organising supplies for the schools, and monitoring and evaluating the project implementation.
His goal is to see all students complete their basic education by grade nine and share his experiences with school managers and teachers to enhance 21st century teaching and learning activities.
“And, of course, I want to see a reduction in poverty for the people of Cambodia, which we can achieve through education with the support of CCT.”
MEET SREYMOM
Nget Sreymom has worked with us from the very beginning, more than 18 years now, using her tremendous skills as a social worker to advocate for the children most in need. Sreymom has deep connections with the communities in which we work which makes navigating change together much easier.
Sreymom’s initial role was to travel to remote households (on her scooter) to encourage parents to send their children to school. To make this happen she sewed uniforms for children who had virtually no clothing and taught a number of young women themselves to sew and to carry on work as tailors. We relied on Sreymom to reach the children who were invisible; they weren’t in school but no one was trying to get them to school either.
Sreymom is passionate about her work with CCT and she works incredibly hard. She brings years of experience, a commitment to the children of her country and good common sense advice on how to tackle the myriad of challenge we face from time to time.
JANE & SAVOEUN
Our success rests on the partnership between our Cambodian staff and our New Zealand volunteers.
Working alongside each other we have developed strong relationships built upon mutual shared goals and respect.
This photo of Jane and Savoeun captures their relationship.
THE NZ TEAM SHARING A JOKE WITH THE CAMBODIAN TEAM
Hot temperatures, long meetings and longer days including travelling distances on dusty roads in hot vans, means we really get to know each other.
Shared humour is a real gift when working so hard in often challenging circumstances, and really demonstrates the close team we have become.
SYSTEMIC CHANGE TAKES TIME AND COMMITMENT
Our Cambodian team are a huge part of CCTs success. They are thought leaders, strategic planners and committed practitioners.