Timor Leste

 

Laurinda de Araujo Amaral, fondly called Laura, has a dream. She wants to be a teacher. She has the drive, intelligence and efforts but coming from a background filled with scarcity and poverty, she lacked the economic resources to get good education.

With parents working as a farmer and a clothes tailor in a depressed locality in Timor Leste, it is a real struggle to put enough food on the table for Laura and her three younger siblings every day.

“Laura’s parents barely make any money. Where she comes from, it is very difficult to sell something as most people do not have the money to buy them,” SOLS 24/7 international volunteer Azee Nasir said.

Never surrender, never fall off –that has been Laura’s mantra whenever her forces grow weak.  This is the spirit that made her engage in the SOLS 24/7 Main Training Centre in Becora, Timor Leste.

It is not any other force, not money, rewards or even her teachers’ support, it was her never ending drive and the pursuit of a dream  that has led her to be nominated student of the month.

Hardworking, helpful, responsible and reliable –these keywords have all been used by her teachers to justify her nomination as the most cutting-edge student this month.

“This motivates me to keep improving myself so I can be one of the best English teachers in SOLS in the future!” claimed Laura, the hero of this story, when asked about her feelings concerning her naming. Cheers, Laura!

Borneo

Being the youngest of 9 children, 18 year old Runnylson Pengiran (also known as Onal) spends most of his time taking care of the family’s palm oil farm right after finishing his Sijil Peperiksaan Malaysia (SPM) examination. He did not have anything special to push himself to; he was just living a simple life.

Onal joined SOLS 24/7 six months ago, just before the Christmas holidays when he came to know about it through a friend of his father. ”I was actually surprised to see him coming back after the holiday because sometimes new students check out our school if they like it or not. Some of them leave because to understand the core of the SOLS program, sometimes, it takes time and Onal had a very short time to see it before the long holiday,” said SOLS Borneo YDC Manager Sayaka Yoshikawa.

His character has been developing quite positively as well as his ability to communicate in English while trying to find his way in learning how to balance his responsibilities and personal studies. Due to Onal being the kind of student who managed to be placed into the senior group though he is still in junior standing and the many positive attributes he has shown, he was chosen as May’s student of the month.

Laos

Being the only child of a carpenter and a  house wife, 17 year old Sudavanh Vichitvongsa had always admired the English language and knew it was essential to learn it. When she joined SOLS, she lacked confidence yet she made sure that studied hard. Most nights, Sudavanh would wake up and write down questions that she has pondered on and heads straight to class early the next morning to discuss such with her teachers.

Sudavanh has set her goal, which is to become an English teacher or translator in the future. During her free time, Sudavanh helps the junior students to understand the English language better and to make sure that they understand it well as she truly believes in its importance for a brighter future.

Ever since she has been in SOLS, Sudavanh has been trying very hard to improve her English and her eager passion to go further has made her student of the month of May.

Cambodia

After working in a factory for one year to financially help his family, Than Bunthol, 21 years old, from rural Cambodia, realized that this is not the kind of life he would accept to have.

He decided to try and change the way things are for him and his family. His first step was to learn English, this was the knowledge that made him different from the rest of the Cambodian youth and he knows it. He noticed how his fellows without the knowledge of English language were left behind, working in the fields and factories of the most depressed areas of the country while those who make the effort and spend the necessary time in learning English were able to go to the cities, participate in the tourism industry and was able to send back enough money to help their families.

Thus, he joined SOLS 24/7 and worked hard to be the best since day one. Soon, he managed to be named the best trainee in his province but that was not enough.  His memory of the working at the factory kept pushing him forward to go the extra mile in every lesson and every task he was assigned to do.

Today, Than is the top academy student at SOLS 24/7 Cambodia and the students´ captain and the best in helping others in reaching the standards he has chosen for his own. Congratulations to our student of the month for May!

Malaysia

Yulius Laba, 20, native of a small village in Pahang´s jungle, is about to put an end to his first year in the SOLS 24/7 Kuala Lumpur YDC. Looking back, he reflects on how much he has changed since the first time he came to the school, nervous as any student would be during his first day in a completely new environment.

In his own words, “I didn’t talk any English. I lacked discipline and I had a big character problem,” he still looks down when talking about his past, however, there is one thing he has surely learnt with SOLS 24/7, “Everybody can change and everybody deserves a chance to do so.”

“Now I know how to talk English properly and I´ve learnt how to write essays! My character, discipline and confidence have improved as well,” Yulius says more to himself than to us, realizing how much he has improved.

He is really keen on computers and IT, even dreaming of landing a job as an IT specialist in a big company. With the IT courses and certificates that SOLS 24/7 provides, Yulius is one step closer to his goal.

Being named as student of the month for May gives him the motivation he needs to keep on going!

15 May 2013– 30 years of persistence, passion and dedication towards research in the field of community development, science of language development and service to humanity have eventually came to a fruitful turn for Madenjit Singh ‘Big Teacher’, who was granted a Professional Honorary Doctorate on Tuesday.

Big Teacher is the first recipient of the Southeast Asian region to be granted the Professional Honorary Doctorate by Global University of Lifelong Learning (GULL).

“I would like to thank GULL for actually being able to see us as who we are, which is SOLS 24/7. This is really great for me and those who work with me to make this dream come true,” said the SOLS 24/7 founder.

The honorary doctorate was awarded at the SOLS 24/7 Youth Development Centre, Kuala Lumpur by Global University for Lifelong Learning (GULL) South East Asia Regional President  Dato’ Dr. Tang Thien Ming on behalf of GULL President Dr. Richard Teare.

Dato’ Dr. Tang said Dr. Richard was amazed at the work being done by SOLS 24/7 after both of them officiated the first SOLS – GULL graduation ceremonies where 82 graduates received Professional Bachelor degrees in Timor Leste and Cambodia earlier this year.

“This is the first Professional Honorary Doctorate we’re giving out in this region. After our visits to Timor Leste and Cambodia, we can say that we are proud of what Big Teacher has been doing for the team, the students and the community,” Dato’ Dr Tang told the 130 strong crowd.

In his speech, Big Teacher elaborated that the GULL certificate was recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources. As it was also recognised by some universities in England and the USA, GULL certificate holders could continue their studies in those countries.

Besides marking the depth of Big Teacher’s involvement in community development, the awarded title “Dr” will also help to elevate the status of SOLS 24/7 to a whole new different level altogether amongst current stakeholders and future partners.

“Previously, we did not have the qualifications to give the legitimacy to SOLS since I did not hold any rightful, qualified title. But now, when I write my book, I can put the word ‘Dr’, which brings a whole new difference to the status of the book and also the organisation I’m affiliated with.”

The similarities of SOLS 24/7 and GULL in terms of their mission and values have then led to their partnership in providing a professional Bachelor’s Degree pathway for poor youths from the organisations’ multi-country network.

Dato’ Dr. Tang said GULL provided qualification for all level of higher education, from Diplomas to the highest level known as the Professional Honorary Doctorate.

“Even if you don’t have any academic background, we will still grant a professional award or professional certificate if you can prove your achievement in a particular knowledge area,” he said

In his speech, the GULL’s Regional President of Southeast Asia also noted the problems faced by 62% of the Malaysian employers in finding the right skilled worker.

“There are many people out there who have the skills but do not have the proper certificates to prove those skills. It is time for us to change the perspectives that only those with relevant qualifications can have better pay. There are many ways for us to improve ourselves and prove to others that our qualifications are equal to theirs, even if we could not afford to go to conventional academic institutions. In fact, students who go to places such as SOLS 24/7 can even perform better as these institutions place more emphasis on performance, outcome and practical skills.”

“We hope the achievement and contribution of Big Teacher for the past more than 20 years can encourage SOLS 24/7 members into following his footsteps in getting the professional qualifications.”

I have been a volunteer for SOLS Youth Development Centre in Sabah on the island of Borneo for about 4 weeks now. My reason for wanting to be part of this NGO is simple. I want to be able to work closely with an organisation that shares the same values and principles that I do. To be able to kill two birds with one stone, I feel that it would bring me something that I wasn’t able to define but knew what was missing in my life before; both on a professional and personal level.

After a little more than a month, I can just begin to say that I feel comfortable in this new setting, and even then, it depends on the day. Since I am in very close contact with the students and other teachers, it is important to maintain a, if not close, then, healthy relationship with them. In order to do that, I have had to change some faults in my character, which probably needed to be changed in the first place, to enjoy this experience to the fullest.

One of the most difficult things to get over was the fact that there was a language, as well as cultural barriers between myself and the students. I want to be as open with them as possible and I want them to open up to me as well. However, I had to learn to accept that almost everything about me was completely foreign to them and therefore I need to be patient and always welcoming when they come to me for questions.

Other challenges that I’ve had to face were, initially, the food and the absence of some Western facilities that I have had gotten used to. Having lived in a Western country for most of my life, I have become so comfortable with certain amenities and lifestyle. However, the food is healthier than most of what I was eating back home, and I find that most of the things that we were spoiled with are not really necessary. It is all a matter of adapting, and most often it is a mental challenge as well as a physical one.

Also, being on the island of Borneo offers many spectacular outings that are not offered anywhere else. I have had the chance to go the local museum with some of the students and was always looking forward to doing more activities with all of them.  I haven’t really gotten homesick yet, but I have the internet to thank for that. There may be certain things I miss about such as those which are readily available or my friends, but there is a time for everything and I fully intend to make the most of the experience I am having now.

As my interactions with the students develop, I get to see different aspects of their culture. They have taught me how to appreciate the simplicity of life, the innocence and purity of youths through it all. From playing football in pouring rain to simply singing their local songs to me with a guitar, they never cease to surprise and move me. Their challenges are different from most of what I’ve had to face, but I am glad they are letting me catch glimpses of their realities.

This experience has been nothing short of challenging in the best possible way, and I am confident that it will continue to be very rewarding. Through this experience, I am learning to be more patient, understanding, accepting and grateful. Also, being able to contribute in any way to the education and betterment of the lives of the youths is more humbling than I thought it could ever be.

 Quick questions:

1)     Which part of Canada are you from?

I have lived in the province of Quebec in a town called Gatineau since I was 10. Before that, my family and I lived in Haiti, where I was born.

2)     Do you have any siblings?

I have one older brother who is less than two years older than I am. He is currently studying psychology at the University of Ottawa.

3)     What did you study in college or university?

I graduated with a degree in International Studies and Modern Languages from the University of Ottawa. It’s basically a lot of fancy words to describe a curriculum of classes talking about international relations, sovereignty, history, different political views, with a  little bit of economy blended in, why the world is in its current shape, foreign aid as well as language classes. I took English and Spanish as my electives, but I have yet to become fluent in those languages. That would definitely be on my to-do list (laughs).

4)     What’s your ambition?

My future work is still unknown, but because my bachelor’s degree is very broad, I think I have a lot of options. I can choose to work for an NGO, in diplomacy, or something that has to do with languages. As long as I have a job that I think is worth doing, which is not only for myself, but for others as well, then I’ll be satisfied.

5)     Do you have any advice for future volunteers?

My advice for them would be to keep an open mind because I believe that it is very important. Coming from different backgrounds and having different set of beliefs and values do not mean that one’s opinion or lifestyle is better than the other. It is good to stand firm for your beliefs, but I have learned that listening to others and living with people of different backgrounds help you put everything into perspectives, appreciate things more and see life under a whole different light. Be open to learning new things and take everything with a grain of salt, just for the sake of having an experience that is truly worthwhile.

Laos

 

After his father passed away five years ago, Dao Yang, 18, is now the man of the house. He wakes every morning while it is still dark to cook breakfast and lunch for his six siblings and is an advisor and guiding light for his siblings. His mother, the sole breadwinner, works from dawn to dusk to sustain her family.  “Our mom taught me how important is to study, and that I tell that to my brothers and sisters every day,” Dao explains.

Anyone would think that this would likely stop Dao from performing well at school and developing a successful career. However, that could not be further from the truth. Dao is currently attending both his high school classes at Thong Pong school and the support lessons that SOLS 24/7 provides to him and other students in difficult circumstances.

Not only that, but he has achieved to be the student of the month for April. This is only attainable with a great deal of hard-work and sacrifice, and also with confidence and belief in one´s abilities.  Dao himself admits that he lacked this before joining SOLS 24/7: “Before, I didn’t have confidence. But the class teacher taught me that I have the same potential as others.”

Timor Leste

Growing up in a small farm, 23-year old Ajinha (Virginia Da Silva Marcal) used to help her family work the land before enrolling in the SOLS 24/7 Ermera District Centre. Transferred to the SOLS 24/7 Dili main training centre eight months ago, she has been consistently improving in her studies. “Anjinha is very hardworking, I have never heard her complain about work. In fact, she even encourages her classmates who struggle academically to not give up,” said Teacher Aje.

With her efforts validated, Ajinha was ecstatic to be chosen as student of the month. “I would like to thank all the teachers for this opportunity, so that I can develop my skills and achieve my goals!” We wish Ajinha all the best, with the right attitude, she will definitely succeed!

Borneo

“I want to be a teacher,” a young Visloh Bin Turungoh used to state enthusiastically when asked about his dream job. Unfortunately, life choices do not always align with our dreams and aspirations. Visloh failed his STPM exam, with no options, he continued life in his home village in the region of Sabah.

“Sometimes I had a job, sometimes I helped my family in the village. But my dream to teach was over,” the 27 year old explains.

However, Visloh came across SOLS 24/7 in January 2013 and decided to enroll. He quickly picked up one thing from the teachers in the Borneo Youth Development Centre: “Learning is the essential prior step for teaching.” Taking this to heart, he began to apply his knowledge.

Like most new skills, the beginning was not easy. He had to make an extra effort to do many things he hadn´t done before and some that he didn´t enjoy. The bane of his week was memorizing and singing English songs as part of the speech exercises.  He refused to do it many times, and almost gave up.

Luckily for him, that never happened, and eventually, he managed to build up a mentality strong enough to push him through his learning and help him do whatever it took to achieve his objective: “I just did what is good to improve myself. I actually do not like singing, but I need it to progress.”

Some say it was a visit from SOLS 24/7 founder, Big Teacher that motivated Visloh, others attribute it to his own willpower. Either way,Visioh was ranked second in the April monthly exam and is currently performing well as an assistant English teacher. The dream he thought was lost is slowly blossoming again.

Malaysia

No one says the road to success is going to be easy. None ever mentions that it is impossible, either.

The story of success can be very much related to the life of Yogenthini Muruges, a student in SOLS 24/7 who, through her persistent endeavour, has made her the current student of the month. She has proven her diligence through her participation and completion of work.

Relying on academics alone, however, is not enough. To be successful, one has to win the hearts of others, too. Her friendliness, loving, caring as well as understanding nature are among the key qualities that made Yogenthini, or more fondly known as Yoga to be quite the likeable character.

While her personality has shone through, the 17 year old admitted to being an introvert by nature. Previously, Yoga had a tough time opening up to anyone in general.

“I was just an average girl in my secondary school. I was too shy to even talk to anyone and had never set any goals in life,” said Yogen.

“All I did in the past was to go to school to study but that was it. I remained quiet in class, regardless of whether I did or did not understand the subject. There were not many challenges in my life and I didn’t have to worry about the future. I didn’t know what life is.”

Things, however, came to a different turn for the Perak born youth upon her arrival in SOLS 24/7. Fast forward to the present after being in the centre for 2 years and 6 months, Yoga can now find herself holding many responsibilities as a trainee as well as the school kitchen superintendent.

“Thanks to SOLS 24/7, I am finally able to work with others easily. If before this I had no dream of finishing my studies in the university, today I can tell myself that I have the same potentials like most successful young women out there.”

“No one in the classes spoke English before the program started,” relayed the 25 year old, who had once been involved in the SOLS24/7 International Exchange Program. However, Pereira further added that the students are becoming more active and confident with their participations in class as the program blossoms.

Age is never a limit in learning

From the speech impediments of a sweating 8-year old to a calm and composed 50-year old mother of two, the difference in experience and outlook towards learning is far from stark. Both personalities from differing backgrounds are merely looking for a greater room for improvement in life. Their willingness to attend an extra class after a long day of school and work, however, sparks a question: What class are they joining, exactly?

The answer is nothing short of surprising. Being the language of opportunity, the need to acquire proficiency in English by those young and old alike has been continuously on the rise in non-English speaking countries in recent years.

The rising demands, in turn, gave ideas for collaboration between two dynamic non-profits organisations, namely Science of Life Studies 24/7 (SOLS 24/7) and Tan Sri Vincent Tan’s newly found Better Malaysian Foundation (BMF) for a noble cause – that is, to provide more equal education opportunities for everyone. Unlike most non-profits organisations that focus exclusively on the underprivileged, the joint partnership program aims to educate people of different categories.

 “Learning is not solely for a particular group of people. There is always room for improvement and the chance of getting to a higher level for everyone,” said Tan Sri Vincent Tan in his previous speech, with much emphasis on the importance of equal education for all groups of people.

 Disregarding the existing social, wealth, age and racial gap, the joint projects of the duo gave birth to what has now been dubbed as the Partner School Program (PSP). First introduced in Batu Pahat, Johor, i.e the hometown of Tan Sri Vincent Tan, the program aims to improve characters and English language proficiency amongst trainees who are placed in government schools.  Being a relatively new centre, it has only been established last November 2012 beginning with pilot classes (morning and night) that peaked to 87 students.

 Students enrolled in the program, which implements the curriculum derived by SOLS 24/7, would not only learn academic related subjects. Additionally, trainings on social and life skills will also be provided in order to help them develop their personalities.

 “Last year, parents proudly came up to me saying that their child is enrolled in the English classes and they were so happy. They were satisfied with what their kids were learning,” relayed Mr. Lim Aik Leong, a village dweller and a member of the school’s board of directors who also serves as the contact person for the program.

Having successfully attained the interest of many, the program commenced early this January, which now caters to six different classes, with many more to open soon.

“Hainter’s help has been very valuable,” said Teacher Saya, the centre’s community manager.

Usually seen studying even during breaks, he even has time to help out in the school kitchen during holidays. This curious student doesn’t stop with only mastering school activities as he also has a strong interest for photography. That passion and interest is reflected in his photographs as many have been featured in some of the school’s social media platforms.

“When we need to do some work, we call some students to help, too. We naturally call students who are responsible and reliable. We do not hesitate to call Hainter because we know he will do the work well,” Teacher Saya adds.

CAMBODIA’s Kon Seanghorng

Province Trainee, Kon Seanghorng, shone the brightest in the SOLS 24/7-GDI academy classes, leading her teachers to vouch for her to receive the award of March Student of the Month!

Born in the Kam Pong Cham province, Kon joined the SOLS 24/7 training centre 18 months ago. From the beginning, her eagerness to learn and great discipline were noted by her teachers. Recognized as a promising and responsible student, Kon has been promoted several times, reaching positions of academic excellence, and high recognitions from her school.

Her altruism and good-will have motivated her to go beyond her academic duties and responsibilities; Kon has taken part in many decisional projects in her school and community, to help improve the conditions in these two environments. “She has done a remarkable work as school captain” Teacher Kosol said, “I’m sure that the leadership skills, discipline and hard-work that Kon has shown during her stay with us, will take her very far,” he added.

Kon is well appreciated by her community, fellow students and teachers; and is well known as a very valuable member of her community. We hope that she will keep the good efforts and keep on the track for a promising future.

LAOS’  Aiy Bounsanong Mounphoxay

Someone has been working really hard during the whole last month in order to get the student of the month recognition in Laos. And, guess what? He made it! Showing everybody how goals are fulfilled when you give your all.

For Aiy Bounsanong Mounphoxay, 16, student with SOLS 24/7 just for 6 months, being a praiseworthy example for his sister and his friends was just not enough. He wanted to be followed as an inspirational light by all his kinfolk in the SOLS 24/7 community in Laos as well.

Taking his efforts to learn English to the limit, he has been disciplined in going to the city centre by himself just to talk with foreigners and try to help them in directions and in getting involved with other locals and with the city itself. By doing this, he has worked on breaking his shyness with strangers and to improve his fluency all at once. With his progress becoming noticeably better, other students began imitating his learning tactics.

Being recognized as student of the month award is, obviously, just the first step in his path to become a motivating and uplifting leader. We will see what is the next goal toward which he decides to head his firm steps! Cheers Aiy!

MALAYSIA’s  Pierres Peter

Aside from his schooling responsibilities, Pierres Peter, 18, from YDC KL has always openly done volunteer work for the school, having the initiative and proactive attitude to help improve the school environment in many ways.

Noted by teachers as being a good leader with good decision making skills, he is also confident in presenting his ideas in front of an audience.

“Pierre is always very kind in helping others and is responsible in completing his work and duties,” says Teacher George.

His passion doesn’t end with his studies as he also has a “great creative spirit that he expresses through his dance,” as Teacher George puts it.

Pierre’s passion for breakdance has taken him to participate in many competitions and events. During the last Naw Ruz celebration, he reached the final stage of a breakdancing competition where he was able to demonstrate his talents in front of a big crowd.

Pierre’s strong leadership character and confidence are building the path for a great entrepreneur and leader, who has already envisioned in applying his knowledge and skills after graduating and has even started to dream about starting his own business –perhaps even with breakdancing on the sides!

“If you want to know more about this inspiring boy, stay tuned as we see more of his stories unfold!”

EAST TIMOR’s Daniel Pereira

Daniel Pereira, – Danny for his friends – first joined Sols 24/7 in the Manatuto District Center, from 08 July 2012 till 24 February 2013. In recognition for his dedication, hard work and determination, he got the opportunity to further his studies in SOLS 24/7 Main Training Centre Dili, Timor-Leste; where he’s been enhancing his knowledge and skills for a month now.

Blessed with a big family, he has 8 siblings – two girls and six boys – who he loves very much. His parents are dedicated farmers that have been working for many years in order to support his studies. They earn money through selling potato, cassava, corn, oranges and also they sell firewood.

Before joining SOLS 24/7, Daniel just spent his time for the unproductive activities, and had character issues which did not help him in his efforts to get a job.

However, since then, Danny has learned valuable lessons from his mistakes. To honor his parent’s efforts and become a better person he’s multiplied his efforts through his studies about life, and realized so many things. He realized that smoking, drinking and spending time for unproductive activities would not give him a brighter future. “I need to develop my potential in order to get more skills,” said Danny.

“I’m so happy, I even could not realize that I could be the top student of the month. It was a big surprise when my teacher chose me to be the top student of the month!” he smiled.
He added that from now on, and with the impulse given with this recognition, he will do his best so that he would stay in the top of the students list. “I want to be the top student forever,” said Danny.

The real party began during night time where students showed off their skills at hip hop and cultural step dancing. It was then followed by a special speech given by exchange participants, namely Gloria, Shining, Confidence, Thim, Mankind, Happy, Nara and Chantha. Country Representative, Teacher Excellence shared words of advice as a former International Exchange participant who had returned to Cambodia and forged a career in SOLS 24/7.

Despite their difficulties in life, the Cambodian volunteers who came from different backgrounds shared their personal stories and encouraged all students to strive for their goals. All eight of them noted the importance of having continuing support from parents, receiving guidance from teachers and to count the blessings from God.

Teacher Thim, who was teary-eyed on stage, expressed her sadness for having to leave SOLS 24/7 Timor-Leste after her time spent undergoing all programs held at the centre where she gained a lot of love, care and support from everyone in the community.

“It is very difficult be so far away from our sweethearts,” said Teacher Chantha, who had already considered Timor Leste as her second home country.

Teacher Happy, on the other hand, stated that the exchange program was a brilliant opportunity for her to attain international experience for she was able to explore new food, cultures and best of all, to live together with people of different countries and backgrounds.

Just within that past two and a half years alone, the volunteers who first arrived in April 2011 exclaimed on how much they have developed their potentials as well as being able to make an impact on the community.

The sentimental moment was then replaced by loud cheers as both local volunteers and teachers strutted on the runway during the fashion show, not long before the cutting cake ceremony took place.

The night finally came to a happy ending, where everyone brought their feet to the dance floor while the bonding session continued.

“It is practice that makes perfect,” said Teacher Mayumi, “we decided to take the students on a picnic trip and give them opportunities to speak to others along the way. We had to break this weakness! We believe it would take them to the next level of learning,” she said.

On a sunny Saturday, Teacher Mayumi and her team gathered more than 250 students and teachers to Dili’s famous Cristo Rei beach to spend the day.

Once at the beach, students played games and sports, danced, and swam in the clear waters of Cristo Rei. Then, accompanied by their teachers, the students went to some restaurants nearby to speak to foreigners and break their shyness.

On the way home, students swapped stories on how speaking to tourists and strangers the first time was challenging and even frightening at first. However, it had been a truly enriching experience and many voices called out for another ‘study’ trip soon.

“It was a really good exercise! The students had bonded during the outing and we could see it in the energy in the school on Monday,” Teacher Mayumi said.

When I was at home, back in the past, I had very low self-esteem due to my mediocre education. I didn’t believe in myself; I was very close-minded, hopeless in life, incapable of taking any major decisions, and didn’t dare to even dream about having an opportunity to go out of my house and leave all that behind. I had very limited ideas and thoughts, and consequently, I was terribly unhappy.

I used to curse my luck, ask myself why I was so unfortunate, and look with yearning to others that had whatever I wanted, and took things for granted, while my parents couldn’t afford to buy anything for me.

I often looked at others who were reaching their goals and tried to imitate them, but I kept falling down and hurting myself. After a while, I accepted the situation and let it be. I wanted to do something, but I didn’t believe in my real chances to change something, as I had no money, no culture, and no one who could help me to get out from the situation and leave that miserable life.

I began to believe that I was an inferior person, with a lower quality than the other people around; this was extremely harmful for me.

Later on, when I finally joined the SOLS 24/7 education program, my character started changing immediately, so fast that in the beginning it was difficult to cope with it. I soon began to believe in myself because I learned about the potential that we all can develop with effort and perseverance.

My teacher at SOLS 24/7 told me about all the power that I had inside me, and only then I realised that I just needed to believe in myself and in my ability to achieve excellence. (We are all fashioned for greatness!). This is the most important thing I learned in those first days: every one of us has a lot of potential within, but it can only be unleashed and developed through the long path of education, training and practice.

I became more conscious of things, and discovered that I was actually able to open my mind. As a consequence of this process, the void I used to feel was filled with many appealing opportunities that appeared in front of my eyes, where before there was nothing.

I began to think positively and realised that everything was possible if I started to look at things and situations in a different way, from a different prism.

I was introduced to scientific thinking during the program and this helped me to tackle the change and commence amending my situation and my perspectives. Through scientific thinking I started to rationalise each situation and this significantly improved my decision-making skills.

Once I was able to think rationally and make decisions wisely, I was able to do many things at the same time. I learnt to combine my different responsibilities, always prioritising my duties in the school, as a member of the management team and also as a wife and mother, all within the SOLS 24/7 community.

This turned to be a virtuous cycle, since undertaking my many new responsibilities helped to increase my self-confidence. This allowed me to improve my time-management skills and to accomplish even more tasks and to tackle more varied challenges with assurance.

With the training provided by SOLS 24/7, especially on scientific thinking, I was able not only to solve the problems and challenges that I faced every day in my professional life, but also the ones that appeared in the personal field. I became more confident. Happiness appeared in my life as I started to realise that only myself was able to establish my own limits and choose until what point did I want to develop my potential. I didn´t give up easily anymore when challenges were thrown at me or even when I had to complete a wide range of varied and demanding tasks all in one day.

I had started making things possible for myself, so I felt I had the responsibility of helping others to also achieve what I was achieving with SOLS 24/7’s help. I encouraged my friends and family not to give up and to keep on trying until they achieve their goals.

I knew it was not easy for them, as it had not been so for me; after all, as human beings, we all have a dark side of ourselves that embraces all our negative feelings, such as selfishness, egoism, jealousy, and prejudices.

However, the training at SOLS 24/7 focuses on eradicating these negative emotions to give birth to a positive environment, not only for oneself but for anybody around too. Making use of scientific thinking, everybody can eventually become capable of taking control of their minds. They will then be able to separate and isolate all the negative feelings. I learnt the art of mind control in order to bring the best out of me. I was no longer a frog in the well and I wanted everybody I loved to follow my path in order to be all together in fulfilment.

Today, I am so capable and confident that I have achieved a bachelor’s degree from SOLS 24/7-GULL. This is the first step for me to walk towards a bright future of happiness.

After everything I´ve been through, I can say without doubt now that I am the luckiest person among the underprivileged youth in my village. I can fly over all the people I used to be jealous from when I was younger. I can say that I will never put my head down any more because I have a university degree now. Because thanks to my effort, I have reached my goals.

This certificate is only for the people who have the ability to study in university. Through SOLS 24/7- GULL, God has made it possible for me to get the same opportunity I used to dream of. And this is all thanks to the change I was encouraged to embark upon. Hence, I would like to end my story by sending a special message of gratitude to everyone that helped me in those difficult days, and that still keep on helping me these days: Big Teacher, Counselor, T- Raj, T-Chealy and Dr. Richard Teare, the president of GULL University. I want to say that you made the difference in my life!

May God bless us all to get more power to overcome new challenges so that many more people can get a degree and undertake the change, as I have done.

Sincerely yours,

Sokheng

 

Quick Questions:

1) How important would you say that English language was in all this changing process that you describe in your story?

-  It is very, very important to speak English for everybody. Because regardless of whether you have a certificate or not, you can aspire to many more working opportunities if you know how to understand and speak it. English is our language. It does not belong to anybody anymore, but it belongs to all of us at the same time. We all must have a universal language and that has definitely to be English.

2) What are your plans for the future? Do you plan to stay with SOLS 24/7? Where do you want to be in one year?

- For my future plans I want to be in SOLS 24/7. This is the place where I was reborn, my eyes were opened and I got to know who I really was. I know the purpose of my life now. This place saved me from where I was and thanks to it I will be able to continue developing myself and accomplish higher challenges and goals.  In the next year I will be based in Cambodia or Malaysia or maybe in Laos, I still don´t know. But I’m sure I will do my best to keep improving with SOLS 24/7 and help everybody around me, wherever I am.

3) Do you remember the name of your first SOLS 24/7 teachers?

- Teacher Sinat, Teacher Righteous and Teacher Mighty. These three teachers showed me how to make the most of my own possibilities and potential, and helped me to achieve my dreams. I never thought that I would achieve something big in life, but they helped and guided my way into it. I can never forget them and what they did for me.

4) What other countries have you experienced with SOLS 24/7, apart from Cambodia – Timor-Leste, Laos? What have you done there?

- I have been to Thailand where I learnt a lot of things about agriculture. It was a blessing for me to have the opportunity to learn something that is useful many people. I also went there for a holiday only with my backpack. I felt capable of doing that, being independent, just as anybody else, never less. Thailand gave me that feeling. I felt like a foreigner there, and enjoyed that freedom.

- I am currently on the management board in SOLS24/7 Cambodia, responsible for the school issues, such as lessons, working times, kitchen, administration and accounting. Besides that, I have two babies to look after. I have to manage my time properly so I can deal properly with both responsibilities.

6) For you, what is the most gratifying part of being at SOLS 24/7?

- I think the Love and Unity that we profess among teachers and students is great. And also the help that we provide to the students; and also to see how they learn and progress every day in their path to a better life.

7) What do you recommend to people in the same situation that you were in the beginning of your story?

- I would recommend whoever is stuck like I used to be, not to give up their hopes and dreams, they are meant to keep us alive, we need them to remind ourselves who we are in every moment of our lives. We also need to develop proper plans and projects in order to achieve these hopes and dreams and so, continue with our lives and find our place in the world. Go for it!

8) What do you think is the main thing that make the SOLS 24/7 family so united?

- I think the principles of God are the main thing. We all live according to these principles, when we make mistakes we turn to the source (the writings), seeking guidance. And each and every person that lives within our family is meant to contribute to make this world a better place to live in, according to God´s principles of goodness and faith.

9) Why do you think is so important for youths to hold a university degree like the one you have just be awarded with?

- Education is never ending! Youths should continue to improve themselves in every stage of their lives, learning more things and becoming more and more resourceful for the society and the people around them. It is very important. Youths should have a complete education program with quality and high standards. A university degree is a physical proof of this, so that they are recognised and given rightful responsibility when it comes time to find a job.

The status of a university graduate is something big. Youths should fight for it until they get it, no matter how much effort it takes.