Leadership in Education

Op-Ed: Leadership in Education

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photo_megaend1Contrasting to my personal experience in public education in Cambodia, I would like to dedicate this article to reflect on “leadership in education” in Cambodia with local management of Calgary Board of Education (CBE) for its 2010-2011 Mega-End Initiative.

I was graduated grade 12 in 1993 in a school of downtown Siem Reap. As a son of farmer family in remote area, I struggled with all obstacles to realize my dream of “education education education”. While my favorite subject was Math, I was keen in Khmer and writing. However, like many other students, I had to learn from tutoring teachers at his private classroom focusing on Math, Biology, Chemistry and Physic. Academic learning was 99% covering in both classroom and private paid tutoring. In the schedule, there were few hours per week for Gym in which I rarely participated in the exercise training and it was frequently cancelled. All students required to fulfill all subjects in classroom such as Khmer, English, French, Literature, Mores, History, Geography, Philosophy, Math, Biology, Chemistry and Physic. These subjects are mandatory, no elective courses were offered. My teacher(s) directly delivered the course on his/her expert or training experience during my high school. I observe that I must remember those subjects like parroting to what teacher(s) said.

From my high school period of this 20 years, there have been little reforming on curriculum in Cambodia particularly on the level of compulsory public school education. In term of academic learning, I have seen some inserting new subjects such as social study and pure science into the existing curriculum.

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For Calgary Board Education (CBE), it has updated its curriculum almost every year to substantiate its planned goal. For its 2010-2011, it reached a solution to implement a mega learning leadership by ratifying so-called “Mega-Ends” learning approach. Within that framework, academic learning success of students is just part of its goal for students to achieve Citizenship, Personal Development and Character. While Academic Success is the top of the foundation, Personal Development is the base, Citizenship and Character are the two essential wings.

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On its instruction for Report Card to each student and parent about their semester learning success, teachers are advised:

Citizenship in learning:

  • Exercises democratic rights and responsibilities within the learning community
  • Demonstrates respect and appreciation for diversity
  • Works and communicates effectively with others

Citizenship: Each student will be a responsible citizen by being an informed and involved member in his or her local, national and global communities.

Personal Development through learning:

  • Sets and works towards learning goals
  • Demonstrates confidence and autonomy in learning

Personal Development: Each student will acquire the skills, attitudes and knowledge to achieve personal highest potential.

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Bringing Many Perspectives to Bear on a Human Tragedy

Chair of Christian Thought presents

The Iwaasa Lecture on Urban Theology

Panel on Homelessness
Bringing Many Perspectives to Bear on a Human Tragedy

Monday, January 21, 2013 at 7:30pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer
7th Ave and 1st St SE, Calgary

 His Worship Mayor Naheed Nenshi (Mayor of Calgary)
Opening Remarks

 Dr. John Rook (CEO, Calgary Homeless Foundation)
homelessness as a social problem

Bishop Fred Henry (Roman Catholic Bishop of Calgary)
homelessness as a spiritual problem

Mr. John Bodman (homeless for years)
homelessness as a personal problem

 Book Signing by Susan Scott, Author of The Beginning of the End
Free copy of the book to first 100 people.

Myth, Music, Magic and Movement: Exploring Religion in its Diversity

Graduate Symposium Poster Annual Religious Studies Graduate Student Symposium

Myth, Music, Magic and Movement: Exploring Religion in its Diversity

Join us February 1st, 2013 for the Annual Religious Studies Graduate Student    Symposium featuring papers by graduate students at the University of Calgary and other institutions, as well as a panel of papers by Religious Studies Undergraduate students.

Students in all disciplines and all levels (Undergraduate, Masters and PhD) are invited to submit an abstract. Please see the Call for Papers for more details.

Friday, February 1st, 2013 9:00am-4:00pm
Arial Meeting Room, MacEwan Events Centre
Breakfast: 9:00am, Lunch: 12:00pm


 

Invitation to Join the Gratitude Ceremony for the Abbot of Watt Khmer Calgary

Venerable Keo Hong

INVITATION
Gratitude Ceremony for Venerable JotannanoThe Cambodian-Canadian Association of Alberta, Khmer Buddhist Society, Khmer Senior Association and Khmer Youth As-sociation of Alberta Cordially invite you, your family and friends to join for Gratitude ceremony for the Abbot Preah Krou Jotannano to be held:

PROGRAM

Friday: December 14, 2012 at 6:00 PM = arrival of members and guests at Khmer Temple

On Saturday December 15, 2012
At Calgary Marlborough Community Association
636 Marlborough Way N.E., Calgary, Alberta
Telephone: 272-4440

Morning 9:00 AM Arrival of Members and Guests
10:00 AM Praying Session and Blessing By Buddhist Monk. Offering Food to the Monk
12:00 PM Lunch for Members and Guests,

Evening 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Dance to live music by Khmer Calgary’s Band.
Admission free of charge for everyone but donation accepted.
Snacks and beverage served at reasonable price

For More Information Please Contact:
Venerable Hong Keo (403) 235-5415 Mr. Sony Moeu (403) 973-4537
Mr. Yung Chan Date (403) 669-3747 Mr. Svay Yim (403) 402-7800

Gratitude Ceremony for Venerable Jotannano in PDF

Biography of Ven. Keo Hong Reviewed in PFD

Conclusion of Annual Meeting and Scholarship Awarding

First of all, I would like to thank the Abbot and Bhikkhu monks of the temple, the executive committees of the Cambodian Canadian Association, the executive committees of the Khmer Canadian Buddhist Cultural Society, the executive committees of the Khmer Canadian Senior Association and the executive committees of the advisory board including all scholarship recipients, students, parents and participants today.

 

The annual meeting was overviewed and summarized by the President in his remark on how wonderful tasks have been accomplished within this 2012 and it is the concrete pavement for 2013 as well. There are 10 activities that KCYAA has undertaken. Among those, two activities were incorporated with other associations while the rests are proudly organized by the excellent team leaders.

For the overall presentation of the 2012 activities and accomplishment, please click on this link

More than this, Vichet who is the Secretary gave detailed speech to the audiences for the Action Plan 2013 that has been endorsed by the executive members. Future plan is the framework of the Khmer Youths Association. Without outlining future plan and achievable framework, we don’t think we have done a proper thing. Planning is very important to looking forward for change and minimize risk for that change.

Pleace Click this Link for Action Plan 2013 of the Khmer Youth Association

After the spectacular presentations by each executive committee on their parts of works and responsibilities, the session was followed by the awarding scholarship to more than 6 recipients presented. This scholarship awarding offered the great motivation for Cambodian Canadian children to pursue their school excellence and looking for high education such as college, professional development and university. From last three years, the recipients have enrolled in various universities, in college and working within various profession within Canadian competitive society. Not only that is visibly impacting their personal strive for success, some of them are engaging with the community by joining with the Youth Executive Committees as well. This is the over expectation from our scholarship program.

At the end, the event was joyful with the Bowling Event. Everyone had fun after hard work at school and working places. This fun activity has created an invaluable space for youths to create network within their interest group and for parents to engage with their children. We strongly believe in the power of networking and effective communication.

Thank you very much everyone for your participation and hard work.

Sophan Seng

President

You are cordially invited to join the annual meeting of the Khmer Youth

You’re cordially invited!

 

Khmer Canadian Youth Association would like to cordially invite all members

and guests especially members of all Associations to participate with our annual meeting as following:

Date: Sunday, December 9th, 2012 at 3:00 pm

Venue: Khmer-Canadian Buddhist Cultural Center

Gratitude: some snacks and beverage

==============

Agenda and Looking Forward for the Brighter Future: Action Plan for 2013

Who are we? What are we doing? How are we doing? Where are we doing? When are we doing?

1.      Overview and summarize all activities of 2012 by Sophan Seng

 2.      Action Plan for 2013 – by Vichet Pich

 3.      Financial statement and balance sheet – by Chantha Hem

 4.      Insight Meditation for the Youth – by Hoa Son

 5.      Social media and news publishing – by Darline Ngeth

6.      Questions & Answers

7. Scholarship Grant 2012 Offering & Congratulation

8. Snack & beverage

Full Annual Meeting for 2012 poster in pdf

 

December 10 of Human Rights Day for Albertans

Hello,

I wanted to extend an invition to you and your membership to attend the celebration of “Human Rights Day” on Monday December 10th from 11:30-1:00pm at the Central Calgary Public Library.  The City of Calgary is celebrating Human Rights Day by exploring the role that human rights law has played in Alberta and its’ relevance to today’s workplace.  This is a great opportunity to learn about the evolution of human rights in Alberta with renowned expert, Janet Keeping.  If you could please distribute this information (an image of the poster is attached) to members of your association, it would be greatly appreciated. This event is free and open to all members of the public.

When: Monday December 10th, 2012 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

11:30-12:00pm Community partner and non profit information booths

12:00-1:00pm Keynote speaker, Janet Keeping

Where: John Dutton Theatre, 2nd floor, Central Calgary Public Library (616 Macleod Trail Southeast)

Additional info: For more event details and a biography of Janet Keeping, please click on the following website link,http://www.calgary.ca/CS/HR/Pages/Inclusion.aspx

 

With thanks!

Vanessa

Vanessa Hennigan, CHRP
HR Advisor, Organizational Effectiveness
The City of Calgary | Mail code: #110
T             (403) 268.2884      
Rocky Mountain Plaza, 7th floor, 615 Macleod Trail SE
Calgary, AB T2G 2M1

ISC: Protected

Report on Charity and Scholarship for Cambodian Primary Students

 

As the committee of Khmer-Canadian Youth Association agreed in a meeting on providing scholarship both in Canada and Cambodia by reserving one scholarship for Cambodian students, this report is arranged to anticipate that agreement. That scholarship will distribute in the kind of gift or other incentives for students such as note-books, pens, pencil, rubbers and other learning instruments.

This year of 2012, the Youth approved $400 including the personal donation of the president $100 to purchase note-books, pens, pencils and rubbers for two primary schools in Siem Reap. These two schools comprise of more than 600 students in between grade 1 to grade 6.

We thank those teachers and volunteers who help distribute those materials for the students.

For the Khmer-Canadian Youth Association, education is its most priority among other tasks it has been carrying out.

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Summary of 21st Anniversary of Paris Peace Agreement

This year is the third year Khmer-Canadian Youth Association celebrated the anniversary of Paris Peace Agreement (PPA). This year, the theme focused on “How peace mean to us? And how we can build peace?”

Many speakers who come from various disciplines and different backgrounds shed us light and gave us great input on this Peace Commemoration.

Sophan who is the president of the Youth Association and chair of the PPA Commemoration committee stressed on the importance of PPA comparing to the great civilization of the Angkor Era. He also valued the PPA as the renaissance of Cambodia. Further to his statement, the Youth will keep organize the Peace Commemoration annually to provide public with right understanding and help build peace together collectively. This concerted effort will not only ensure that Cambodia can get fruition from the PPA, the world will also share this peace process.

MP Wayne Cao who is the member of parliament of Alberta government gave us a great importance on the decline of two countries who signed the PPA but Cambodia is still alive. The Russia union and Yugoslavia have been split, but he observed that Cambodia has been stronger by the PPA. He emphasized that the cold war has been died while the connectivity of people in the world has become more visible. On his sight back home of birth in Vietnam, Mr. Wayne Cao reflected on his life and his friend which both have born in the same location but made a living in different situation of political circumstance and economic development. Mr. Wayne highly appreciated the Peace Commemoration and he will join this celebration in years to come.

Ms. Janyce Konkin who has extensively worked in Cambodia for “Initiative for Change” described the importance of building peace within individual first before expanding it to others such as family, community, nation and the world. In this context, Janyce shed us insight on both practical knowledge and academic theory. As her MA major focused on peace research, her conclusion wholly rests on individuals who must initiate peace within themselves first before outreaching to others. But she accepted the original interdependent of inside peace affects outside peace, and outside peace also affects inside peace. Her theory is not different from that of Lord Buddha and late Cambodian monk Maha Ghosananda. For the PPA, according to Janyce, it is a good instrument for peace development in Cambodia.

For Lynda whose profession is a teacher especially her experiences in South East Asian countries, the social media will play important role in this region. Observing from what has been happening in the Middle East or Arab Springs, social media will inevitably drive force for change in countries such as Burma and Cambodia. She highly commenced on the following up news easily received by internet through computer or cell phone as the step stone to advance social change. Her moving philosophy on powerful leaders only who are afraid of their own crimes, corrupted mind, violence, killing, threatening and their secrecy that will be one day disclosed…not us who are afraid nothing and we must not afraid them.

For Mr. Pol who is the recipient in Master’s Degree of Social Work and Psychology from the University of Calgary, PPA has brought many things to Cambodia and her people. Huge aids have been annually transferred to this country. Not only the country and her people have benefited from the PPA, the Cambodian government led by the Cambodian People Party has tremendously benefited from this PPA. However, he viewed that the government is still falling short on implementing the PPA. Special Rapporteur of the United Nations has recently recommended Cambodia to reform NEC or National Election Committee to ensure that election is fair and neutral. Poverty and injustice have become a key point of failure of the government in abiding by the PPA. More than this, the killing of environmentalist Chhut Vutthy and the humiliating of Ven. Luon Sovath have been an outstanding case current government is losing its face at the international arena.

All members who participated the commemoration this year have highly admitted that PPA is the pillar of this country. Without PPA, Cambodia might not be able to exist today. Mr. Roeung like Mr. Pol and Mr. Sophan as well see the PPA is the legacy of King Norodom Sihanouk who passed away at the age of 90 years old on 15 October 2012 at Beijing. Millions of Cambodians including Buddhist monks mourned and shared condolence in last few weeks. Mr. Chan Voeun highly appreciated the effort of Youth who can make this commemoration successful today.

In conclusion, PPA or Paris Peace Agreement this year has been celebrated by Cambodian people worldwide such as Canada, United States of America, Australia, Cambodia, French, Switzerland and many other countries. There are Cambodian people demonstrated in front of the United Nations in New York, and at the headquarter of the UNs in Switzerland. This commemoration has been seen as the public education, unification and peace building for all people regardless of their political tendency, color, age or social status. The participants and organizers have expected to build lasting peace and sustainable development for Cambodia. All participants and organizers got off home to the union or street to commemorate this day in order to stop all culture of pointing finger and coloring on each others.

May all being experience Peace, Progressive and Justice!!

21st Anniversary Organizer

Watching all movies non-stop

Press Release on the 21st Anniversary of Paris Peace Accord

Khmer-Canadian Youth Association
7011 Ogden Road SE, Calgary, AB, T2C 1B5
Tel: 403-455-8294
Email: info@khmeryouth.cambodianview.com

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Press Release

Khmer-Canadian Youth Association would like to solemnly release this information to all Khmer youths and Khmer compatriots, either inside Cambodia or outside Cambodia, to perform or participate with 21st Anniversary of Paris Peace Accord 23 October 1991 – 23 October 2012.
Paris Peace Accord is the modern history of Cambodia. This day has deserved the same value of the glorious history of the Great Khmer Empire of Angkor period.
Our compatriots can join this commemoration as individual, family, friend, group, association or community by observing or reading news about this day, share messages among networks, directly communicate with siblings-children-friends, or conduct a ceremony by inviting Buddhist monks to offer a Jayanta blessing.
May all Khmer compatriots are blessed by the four wishes of Lord Buddha: Longevity, Beauty, Happiness and Strength.

Canada: 1st October 2012

 

Sophoan Seng (President)

21st Anniversary Press Release

21st Anniversary of Paris Peace Agreement Poster