Steve
Have you ever had a good day teaching or liked anyone you have taught?
You do seem to focus a bit much on the negatives you find in everyone and every situation you come across. .
I have been to Cambodia and agree with some of what I read. The same can be said of Thailand as well. There is a middle ground, as opposed to just throwing money or not giving any at all. Education is the key and the key starts with teacher training and political leadership. One must have a mandate to teach the way you suggest. Until that happens the education is moot. As far as NGOs and such, they provide the safety net for children so that their education can continue with as little disruption as possible. They get food, they get shelter they get doctor care, which keeps them in school. But like you say, if not enough is spent on school, then it is moot. So until real leadership comes to the country to inspire the people to do more for themeselves and to value education, everything is moot.
Dear Mr. Havana,
Thank you very much for your kind words. I was very happy to have shared your story and photographs with my students here in Phnom Penh. I can assure you that they were shocked and saddened by what they saw and read. Many desperately wanted to do something about it, but didn’t know what. Although their feelings came out loud and clear, what they lacked was a clear vision on how to solve a problem as big as poverty.
It is also my hope that the educational establishment here, and in many other countries in Asia, get the message that it is extemely important for Asian students to think beyond rote learning and memorization. It is essential that students develop critical thinking skills so that they can solve problems that you so artfully showed in your photographs.
Thank you again, Mr. Havana, and take care.
Mr. Schertzer:
First of all, thank you for quoting me in your article. After all, what applied in the 18th century must certainly apply today as well, don’t ya think?
Having high school students write essays and expound on esoteric topics will really prepare them for the workplace in a developing country, as will snorting at their lack of articulation. Again, kudos.
Using the analogy of ‘pigs teaching pigs’ also gives us a glimpse into how you really feel about people in SE Asia. You’re oozing with admiration (or is it contempt—i’m not sure) for those who are less enlightened than thou. Your thoroughness is appreciated.
My best advice for you is to return to your mother country and pen your memoirs about how the people of SE Asia have repeatedly offended your sensibilities. They are clearly not deserving of your talents.
Sincerely,
Ben Franklin
Ben Franklin,
your comments are hilarious and absolutely priceless! I guess, like many before you, you’re picking up on the subliminal messages that this blogger regularly sends out.
Thanks for the laugh!
By Tom Tuohy, Riyadh on 2012-02-13