Cambodia: Growing Students in Faith

In this article, we will share just a few of the many ways we seek to incorporate faith elements into our teaching program.

Philosophy and Mission December 16, 2019

In the heart of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where theravada – meaning “the doctrine of the elders” – Buddhist customs and spirit worship rule the region is where we find Cambodia Adventist School. Only about 2% of the entire population in Cambodia are Christians.

Cambodia Adventist School started in 1995 with a mere 30 students from kindergarten up through the second grade. Over the years, the student population has since expanded in size – there are now more than 500 students.

As our staff and faculty were working on our philosophy and mission statement, two quotes came to mind:

1. “With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon coming Savior might be carried to the whole world!” (Education, p. 271.2)

2. “True education means more than pursuing a certain course of study. It has to do with the whole person, and with the whole period of existence possible to human beings. It is the harmonious development of the physical, mental, and spiritual powers.” (True Education, 9.1)

In several Asian countries around the world, many schools have a class called morality which is taught four hours a week. When parents first enroll their child(ren) in Cambodia Adventist School, we plainly tell them that we teach our morality course using Biblical principles.

As Adventist teachers we love the thought of being able to be a witness for Jesus to our students every day, and so do not shy away from teaching a clear, Bible-based Adventist curriculum. Even still, the school continues to grow each year.

In fact, the parents often tell us during the enrollment period that they were encouraged to register their child(ren) at Cambodia Adventist School because of our good moral teachings, high scholastic standards, and the loving compassion that teachers have for the students.

At Cambodia Adventist School, where the student body is 80% Buddhist, the key to staying focused on our mission is found in the dedicated teachers and staff who are committed to teaching the distinctive Adventist truths. Cambodia Adventist School strives to promote spiritual growth through the integration of faith and learning into regular classes, morning worship, prayer meeting, vespers, chapel, and annual Christmas outreach programs.

Faith has and will continue to be a huge component in our teaching – our students are being positively transformed because of this intentional guide. It is our continued prayer and belief that many students are finding a friend in Jesus during their time here. In this article, we will share just a few of the many ways we seek to incorporate faith elements into our teaching program.

Students Learn How to Serve. In Morality class, we teach about how Jesus was a servant leader. In connection with this theme, we have developed service programs to encourage our students to abide by Christ’s example.

One way we support this model is by having the older students share the workload of all teachers by grading papers, one to two hours a week. The younger students support the teachers by helping to keep the classrooms clean. We have also partnered with Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and the local church to conduct health assessments and give items for families in need.

Students Learn About Creation. In our Science classes, the younger students grow plants, while students in the senior levels get a closer look at plants through a microscope. In both cases, students learn more about the Creator God behind such beautiful and complex designs. He has a design for everything including our lives.

Students Learn About History and Biblical Stories. In our Reading and Bible classes, we share great moral stories and biographies about people who dedicated their lives to God’s service. These stories then lead to discussions about how God wants us to treat others and especially how to serve and live our best lives for Him. In History and Social Studies, we talk about how God oversees mankind by reminding us that He is ultimately in control, if we will only surrender to Him, moment by moment.

How do you integrate principles of faith in your classroom?

Author

Sharon Rogers

Sharon has an MA in Curriculum and Instruction. Is married to her high school sweetheart, Gareld Rogers, in 1973. They have two married daughters Karon & April, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. Gareld and Sharon moved to Cambodia in 1996, where she is the principal of CAS and Gareld is mission builder.

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