PHNOM PENH, February 13, 2026 — Learning took a coastal turn this week as students from the CE1 classes (Grade 2 equivalent) headed south to the historic province of Kep. This “residential trip” provided a rich, multi-sensory curriculum that combined geography, biology, and social ethics into one unforgettable journey.
A Destination of Discovery
Kep is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Coast,” and for these young explorers, it served as a living laboratory. The students moved between several key ecological and cultural sites:
- Agricultural Science: Visits to world-renowned pepper plantations and the sprawling salt fields gave students a firsthand look at Cambodia’s traditional industries.
- Environmental Biology: Trekking through mangroves and exploring local caves allowed for real-world lessons on biodiversity and conservation.
- Cultural Heritage: Time spent at local pagodas helped ground the students in the spiritual and architectural history of the region.
Learning to Live Together
Beyond the academic sights, a primary goal of the trip was social development. Staying at Shalom Valley, a retreat center known for its social mission to empower vulnerable children, students practiced:
- Community Life: Helping with daily tasks and sharing responsibilities.
- Mutual Respect: Navigating group dynamics and supporting classmates in a new environment.
- Independence: Developing the confidence to manage themselves away from home.
Education with a Purpose
By staying at Shalom Valley, the school ensured that their educational budget had a wider social impact. The profits from their stay support programs for vulnerable children across Cambodia, teaching the students a silent but powerful lesson in philanthropy and social commitment.
