17th School Health Training Session Held

From May 28 to 30, we held a School Health Instructor Training in Siem Reap.

We were honored by the attendance of Mr. Yung Kunthearith, Ms. EK Titthida, and Mr. Hun Sophorn from the School Health Department of the Cambodian Ministry of Education. On the second day, Mr. Mori, Managing Director of The Nippon Foundation, along with Mr. Matsushima and Mr. Horie, participated in the training.

On the first day, Professor Asakura provided an overview of the school health textbook for the general education subject (1 credit = 15 hours) for all junior high school students. Professor Saomoline from the Phnom Penh Institute of Education conducted a mock class on ‘First Aid’ for university students. Instructors from the teacher training institute presented reports and analysis of the results from height/weight measurements and vision tests conducted at the affiliated elementary school. It was reported that the instructors collaborated with the affiliated school’s teachers, teaching them methods and techniques, and expressed their enthusiasm to continue this collaboration in the future.

On the second day, Professor Bunmakara from Battambang University of Education conducted a mock lecture on ‘Lifestyle Habits and Health’ for university students. Work continued on revising the school health textbook for the elementary school curriculum, and Professor Asakura led a competency card game focusing on teacher qualities.

The third day involved a visit to Prey Chrouk Primary School, a public school in Siem Reap Province.

Graduates who studied the School Health subject at Battambang University of Education are actively teaching here.

This time, we all observed a health class on ‘Parasites’ taught by one of these teachers to a 6th-grade class.

Although the class was packed because two classes were combined that day, the teacher showed photos of parasites and incorporated group work, demonstrating thoughtful teaching methods. After the class, it was heartwarming to see the teacher training university instructor happily taking photos with their graduate student, their former pupil.

Moving forward, we hope to step up our efforts by visiting graduates working hard in each province. This will help us understand the current state of health education not only in urban areas but also in rural regions and across all provinces.

Additionally, a class on ‘School Safety and Crisis Management’ was held for third-year students, taught by Mr. Khim from Phnom Penh University of Education and Mr. Somnea from Battambang University of Education. The group work involved sorting illustrated cards depicting actions into categories of safe or dangerous behavior. During the answer check, the children’s applause and cheers filled the room, making it an easy-to-understand and enjoyable health class even for lower grades.

It was impressive to see the instructors, who usually teach university students, seamlessly switch into teaching mode for elementary school children, marking the end of this training session.