Foster Growth and Healing for 200 Cambodian Youth

My name is Garrett Walker and I came as an intern at YESIC/Dove in January until June 2024. I come to Cambodia from Manitoba, Canada to take part in a discipleship program called SEEK with Mennonite Central Committee. During that time, I was connected with YESIC program with Mission Dove Cambodia through a friend and co-worker. I would often come to play games with the students and help teach English once a week.

In August 2024 I returned as I wanted to spend a year with YESIC/Dove to keep building relationships and improve my knowledge of the Khmer language and serve. In returning I wanted to focus on servicing and to build relationships. Serving gave me the opportunity to gain knowledge and grow while developing skills.  These experiences and skills gained pushed me out of my comfort zone. Another thing at the forefront of my mind was how I had encountered God and grown in my relationship with him during my previous experience in Cambodia. And through prayer, scripture, and discernment, I felt called to return. It became clear to me that it was time for the next step in my faith journey---a yearlong leap of faith and trust.

Some expectations I had for my time as an intern included being challenged in my new role as an English teacher. I knew I would be teaching daily and growing in skills such as writing articles and reports while learning new ones. I have had some previous experience working with youth, but never in such a capacity. I anticipated getting to know my co-workers and students on a deeper level as I would spend 7-10 hours at the center daily.  I also expected to lose badly in games like ping pong and Dutch blitz. I knew I would start and run a club, but I wasn’t sure what type. I landed on continuing a chess club. I expected to take the initiative to ask questions about my work or uncertainties in new tasks. I was ready for new experiences, change, and growth in ways I did not know myself. The unknown left me nervous, excited, and ready for adventure.

Now, three months into my internship, I reflect on and will share now some my experiences so far!

The start of my term and first days at work were smooth. The first month was slower as students were on summer break. Giving me time to begin lesson planning and get some assistance from Google and my sister, who has teaching English experience. I have learned and continue to learn about the hard work and effort that goes into teaching well.

More recently, I have a new challenge, my class has tripled, with students at different levels. I'm currently trying to figure out the best way to teach well.  Planning creative and interactive lessons to keep all students engaged and focused on the task or lesson at hand can be tricky. Not understanding Khmer often makes it difficult to explain certain concepts. And in these moments, I’ve come to rely on students to help each other. I have had some free time in the process allowing me to learn new skills, like designing posters on Canva and editing videos and pictures.  I have also thoroughly enjoyed working on stories of change and reports of YESIC retreats. This improves my writing abilities shedding light on what a student has learned.

YESIC is more than a place to learn English; it is a safe place where the teachers and staff care about all students, past and present. And want to give them opportunities to learn and grow by challenging them in class or other clubs they might join. Other groups include Leadership Club, Men’s group, and an Al-anon support group. We want to engage the students and help them learn more about themselves. Our aim is not just to survive but thrive in the highs and lows of life.

Everyone is very friendly, and we can joke around freely. I have been accepted and treated well and would consider my co-worker’s as family. If, for some reason, I had to stop my internship, I would never forget the people, laughter, hospitality, and experiences that I have shared with so many new friends. And now, looking forward, I'm excited to work through challenges, grow, and keep sharing experiences with those I’m surrounded with as I continue and finish my term.