How We Deliver Online English Lessons to Cambodia

Phonics: The Foundation of English Learning

This week, our volunteer Learning and Development Manager, Rachael, led an engaging phonics lesson focusing on the letter "Dd." Phonics is a fundamental building block of language learning, helping students connect sounds with letters, improve pronunciation, and develop reading skills.

Many people assume phonics is only for young children, but going back to basics is critical, especially for learners aged 12-19 who may have picked up incorrect pronunciation or reading habits. If the basics aren't right, progress in English becomes much harder later on. Starting with phonics ensures that our students can develop strong listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills rather than struggling with gaps in their foundation.

Why phonics is so important in learning English:

✅ Helps with pronunciation – Learners develop correct speech patterns instead of memorising words phonetically incorrectly.

✅ Improves reading and spelling – When students understand the connection between sounds and letters, they can decode new words independently.

✅ Builds confidence – With clear, structured learning, students gain the confidence to speak, read, and write in English without fear of making mistakes.

✅ Supports long-term success – Solid phonics skills help learners develop fluency, making it easier to progress to more complex aspects of the language.

During the session, Rachael used custom slides designed to encourage participation and turn-taking, a key evidence-based phonics teaching practice. Turn-taking in phonics instruction is crucial because it allows:

Active Engagement – Students don't just listen; they practice saying sounds, blending words, and reading aloud.

Peer Learning – Hearing their peers' attempts helps reinforce correct pronunciation and builds a supportive learning environment.

Memory Retention – Interactive activities ensure students aren't just passively absorbing information—they are actively using it. 

Story Time: Preparing the Next Generation of Learners

After the phonics lesson, Rachael hosted a special storytime activity for the younger children in the village. These storytelling sessions are a highlight of the week, giving children their first exposure to structured English learning in a fun, engaging way.

Storytime isn't just entertainment, though—it plays a key role in language development:

1. Introduces new vocabulary – Children absorb English words naturally through stories, even before formal lessons begin.

2. Encourages active participation – Using puppets and interactive storytelling, Rachael keeps the children engaged, making learning fun and memorable.

3. Prepares them for phonics lessons – By hearing English in context, they develop an ear for the language, making future phonics lessons easier to grasp.

Each week, the children eagerly listen, repeat words, and join in with actions—an early step toward confident communication in English. 

A Collaboration That Works

This trial phonics course is the first of its kind for Quest Compassionate Education, and it's a stepping stone to something much bigger. By starting small, we've been able to test what works, adapt our methods, and plan for scaling up.

However, there are challenges we need to overcome to expand this initiative and reach more children:

❌ Limited Equipment – We are currently delivering lessons to Samban's phone, which makes it difficult to run larger sessions. Better technology and resources will help us improve lesson quality and enhance the audio and visual experience.

❌ Limited Volunteer Capacity – With only one volunteer teacher, Rachael, we can only offer a small number of lessons per week. More trained volunteers will allow us to serve more students.

❌ Lack of Access to Books and Learning Materials – These children have enthusiasm and motivation, but without access to quality reading materials, their progress is slower. A well-stocked library will bridge this gap.

Despite these obstacles, what we've seen is the incredible determination of Samban and his students. Samban gives up his free time to support these children, proving that underserved communities don't lack the will to learn—only the resources and opportunities.

This is why we are here:

✔️ To collaborate, not dictate

✔️ To support, not impose

✔️ To equip communities with skills and knowledge that they can pass on to future generations

Together, we are building something sustainable—a learning model that can grow, scale, and empower more young Cambodians with the tools they need to achieve their potential. 

What's Next?

We are committed to scaling up this project so more students can access quality English lessons and improve their future career prospects in conservation, tourism, and beyond.

To do this, we need supporters who believe in education as a force for change.

• If you'd like to help, consider donating to support our efforts to provide better equipment, resources, and training. 
• If you're an educator or know someone with teaching experience, volunteering your time can make an incredible difference.

This is just the beginning, and we're excited to grow this initiative together.