07/16/2026
Last week, Sary and teachers Srey Py and Kim Sour traveled to Phnom Penh for a two day leadership and teacher training conference hosted by REECH Cambodia.
The days were packed with the kind of training that rarely makes it to a small rural school like Village Rays. Sessions on self care, leadership development, strategic planning, and understanding trauma in children, including how it shows up in the classroom and how to respond to it with care. Sary also took part in sessions on building a strong school culture, focused on the stories, symbols, and shared moments that shape a community.
For Sary, it was a chance to reflect on his own experiences and how they shape the way he leads and supports his students today. For Srey Py and Kim Sour, it was an opportunity to bring new tools back to their classrooms, ones they have already started using with their students.
While there, REECH's Jenny and Julia went out of their way to make sure the team felt supported, from covering logistics to sending art supplies back to the school afterward.
We are so grateful to Nigel Henderson and Sam for connecting us to this opportunity, and to our board member Figen Icsel Ezer for helping make it possible for Sary and his teachers to attend.
Moments like this remind us that investing in the people who lead and teach is just as important as investing in the classroom itself.
Thank you to everyone who made this trip happen. 🙏🇰🇭
