University of the Nations Cambodia

Kids Mission Statement: Cambodia's preschool children will receive firm foundations that will enable them to fully develop spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually through the training of national early childhood educators and partnering with local churches for the multiplication of indigenous Christian pre-schools.

Partnerships with local churches are begun by setting up preschools and proving the start-up costs to fund them. The U of N preschool team empowers the Khmer preschool staff by training and mentoring them. Gradually, team members transfer control of operations to the Cambodian churches in order for them to take full ownership of the preschools. The ministry also hopes to multiply itself through imparting innovative and creative biblical principles and teaching techniques to Khmer preschool educators who can take the training back to their preschools and implement it. Whole communities can be changed and transformed as a result.

Update

(Top) Reny [Assistant Principal] and Hannah, Teresa, Ruth [Teacher] and Rafael, Sinuon [Teacher] and Rayut. (Bottom) Many [Church and after care staff], Jenny [Principal] and Hosanna, Chi Chan [Teacher Assistant]

Teresa, the last remaining preschool staff from the team, continued to provide support for the principal and Khmer preschool administrator of New Life Center II (NLC II) Preschool until December 2008. She met with them once a month to discuss preschool issues and give advice. The total transferring of operations and ownership of the pre-school to the NLC II church culminated in September 2008 and the leadership has assumed all responsibilities.

After the pre-service seminar that Teresa conducted in October 2008, the New Life Center II Preschool leaders met with her and came to a conclusion. Due to the number of nursing infants born to the staff in a short span of time, they decided to close the preschool for one year. Please pray that the moms would make the most of the opportunity to bond with their little ones and that the Holy Spirit would keep the passionate fire for preschool ministry glowing in their hearts. May the Lord also raise up a male believer with a tender heart for tots to permanently join the team.

On January 10, Teresa left Cambodia for an indefinite period and transitioned to the states for a time of rest and preparation for a new season in her life. Before she left she gave documentation, donations, equipment, and supplies to NLC II and other partnering preschools. She also compiled a rough draft version of the Cambodian adaptation of the U of N Preschool curriculum, available to national preschools and organizations.Her exit from Cambodia, as the last remaining member of the Preschool Ministry, will leave a void in its representation.

Spotlight on Pitou (pronounced Peetoo)

Pitou Pitou appeared on the preschool scene about four years ago, not dressed and ready to learn, but, in the typical fashion of a next door neighbor Cambodian toddler; over-sized t-shirt on top, no bottom or shoes, runny nose, and wandering around the playground looking for a friend to play with. He would brighten when the children came out of the classroom to play and cry when they went back in, eager to learn with his new pals.

Pitou The folowing year his dream materialized and Pitou proudly and faithfully attended since turning three. Although short in stature, his brain is fully up to par developmentally. One morning, in circle time, he confidently and correctly answered (in English) that today was Monday. When he graduated from the preschool, he could answer basic English questions and displayed intellect beyond his years. Now a graduate of the preschool, Pitou recently began attending a children’s program at the church. Like Zacchaeus, may Pitou’s passion for learning and curiosity motivate him to climb up for a closer look at the Savior. May he persist in his search until the Lord ends up in his heart and household!

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