Cambodia Summer School

Leadership Subjects

Leadership Education introduces students to the concepts and theories of service leadership and prepares them to become ethical leaders. By taking the Leadership subjects, students will:

• Understand and integrate theories and concepts on the basic qualities of effective leaders;
• Acquire skills which are essential for functioning as an effective leader;
• Reflect on their own service leadership qualities; and
• Appreciate the importance of Service Leadership to the development of themselves and the whole society.

Service Leadership

This subject was offered by the Department of Applied Social Sciences and there were 56 students from 18 departments taking this subject. They were joined by 20 students from the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

Students taking this subject studied different contemporary models of leadership. They reflected on the need for developing the qualities of effective service leaders in Cambodia’s historical context and identified their own leadership qualities. On the service-experience day, students were given the opportunity to serve the children living in rural area. They were guided to apply the knowledge of leadership gained in this subject to serve the children.

Tomorrow's Leaders

This subject was offered by the Department of Applied Social Sciences and there were 10 students from 6 departments taking this subject. They were joined by 7 students from the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

Students learned about theories, research and concepts on the intra-personal and interpersonal qualities of effective leaders. They developed self-awareness and a better understanding of themselves through various class activities. Moreover, they acquired cross-cultural interpersonal skills through working as a team with students from different nations and serving the elderly and children living in a slum on the service-experience day.

Service-Learning Subjects

Service-Learning aims to help students develop into a competent professional with a heart to serve others. Through subjects with a significant service component, students will:

• Apply knowledge and skills acquired from university learning to deal with complex issues in the service setting;
• Reflect on roles and responsibilities both as a professional in their chosen discipline and as a responsible citizen; and
• Develop a stronger empathy for people in need and a stronger sense of civic responsibility.

COMP2S01: Technology Beyond Borders

Department of Computing coordinated this project and 40 students from 15 departments participated. All students went through 13-week technical training. Then, they were joined by 4 students Haifa University (Israel) under the scheme of University Social Responsibility Network and 23 students from the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

The project was conducted in Kampong Speu, a rural province located 48 kilometres to the west of Phnom Penh. Students assembled solar panels, installed basic electrical wiring and electrical appliances in the Cambodian villagers’ homes, providing them with considerable experience in the operation of electrical systems, they also built eight solar power stations for communal use. With the knowledge earned during the project, Cambodian students can continue to work with local villagers even when we have left.

ELC2S02: Serving the Community through Teaching English

This project was coordinated by the English Learning Centre and the 29 student participants were from 14 departments.

PolyU students provided some teacher training skills to the English Major Associate Degree students of HRDI (Human Resources Development Institute), the two group of students then worked hand-in-hand to deliver a week-long English programme to the schoolchildren of Emmanuel Christian Primary School in Phnom Penh. Our students also designed a teaching kit for Cambodian teachers to use during their class.

SN2S03: Healthy Lifestyle Challenges for Developing Communities

The Department of Nursing coordinated this project and 31 students from 14 departments participated.

The students provided basic physical assessments and health education for families living in Phnom Penh and Kampong Speu area. PolyU students and local students joined hands to interview the villagers and teach them how to maintain a healthy lifestyle by designing a healthy menu by using groceries that are readily available in local markets. Health talks on prevention of diarrheal disease and towel exercises were delivered to senior villagers in slum and villages.

Student Self-initiated Projects

Technology for Development (Tech4D)

Tech4D consisted of 14 students and alumni who had previously participated in service-learning subjects.

The mission of Tech4D is to apply different technology skills to serve and help different populations in developing countries. In order to provide an all-round service for the locals, the team this year decided to set up a zero-carbon community learning centre for a local primary school within the same village where the computing project took place in Kampong Speu. The centre made use of a recycled cargo container and is comprised of (1) solar panels for powering lights, fans and charging batteries, (2) rainwater collection system for cleaning and washing, and (3) furnitures and books placed inside of the container.

Connect Beyond Dream (CBD)

CBD consisted of 5 students and alumni who had previously participated in service-learning subjects. The goal of CBD was to instil the concepts of Ecotourism in local Cambodians and to help them to establish a homestay programme.

CBD selected two local homes in Kampong Speu, based on the physical home conditions, skills, budget, available time and any potential issues. The team designed and introduced standard operating procedures (SOP) to some of the house owners so they could accommodate travellers. They provided advice on food hygiene, customer service skills, the appropriate procedures when taking care of tourists and the amenities of the homestays.