កុលសម្ព័ន្ធអប់រំគ្រុប Tribal Education Group - TEG

The Tribal Story: A Short History

Since growing up in Ratanakiri and failing to receive a strong English language education, Sonya Chum had a lingering desire to one day create an English school in his hometown that would give local children the educational background and skills to excel at university and also have a legitimate chance to be chosen for international scholarships. Fast forward to late 2014 and The Tribal School of Foreign Languages is no more than a germinating idea in the mind of founder and president, Sonya Chum. With his years of teaching and management experience working at both Paññāsāstra University and American Intercon, it seemed like a natural progression to convert his ideas and experience into practice. At the end of 2014 he began laying down the groundwork necessary to open a school in 2015. Prior to opening there was much that needed to be done in terms of the school campus, policy and philosophy, and required materials. Prior to opening the Tribal School of Foreign Languages had been a popular guest house. This required redesigning the rooms from being single or double occupancy rooms with an adjoining toilet to classrooms that could accommodate up to 25 students. Furthermore the main guest house needed refurbishing, which included a new paint job. Another change was clearing off of some trees in front of the main school building and painting the gate aqua blue. Prior to opening the design of the English school needed to be developed along with the school philosophy. Another key issue was selecting the school books for every class, purchasing computers and printers, and other office materials. The Tribal School of Foreign Languages officially opened its doors on 12 May with an enrollment of 9 students. At this time the school had 2 teachers and 2 cleaners along with the two owners covering all of the senior management functions. Even with the small staff classes were offered for young kids in the morning as well as for young adults in the evening. The young school seemed to draw interest as each month it doubled in size from the previous month in its beginning. By the second term the school added several important teachers, including Lee Someth who has since become the Academic Director of the Kid’s Program, Seng Charlie who would manage the restaurant and the transportation departments, and Yin Soklar who continues to be a key instructor for the young kids at the K1-Level. Not only would this restaurant provide a comfortable meeting place for older students to meet and grab a delicious snack, but it also offered a reasonable meal plan for students in the morning Kid’s Program. The second term also marked the beginning of our intern program. Most noteworthy was our first university student intern from Phnom Penh who assisted with teaching, translation, and building planning. The third term brought a significant alteration in the appearance of our young school, particularly with the paving of the front lot as well as the creation of a football pitch behind the main school building. Another significant step in the growth of the school was the commencement of the Tribal Transportation Service, allowing our families to enjoy greater convenience as well offering our program to people living farther away. During our third term an important development for our school – the creation of the Tribal Education Group. This group is a parent company which oversees all of the various business interests and schools. This group was required as the Tribal School began. The Tribal School is another school under The Tribal Group, but this school is a fully licensed Khmer school offering classes from grade one through grade six. With the addition of a new school meant adding classrooms, teachers, and new procedures. For those who live in Banlung, they have seen evidence of this new Khmer school, as students are now wearing a variety of school uniforms - purple, yellow, and pink. Now that we are on the cusp of 2016 we have ended 2015 with a flourish. A successful and fun Christmas party with dancing performances, singing, and a spelling bee. Recently there have been more student tables added and permanent spring-rocking animals outside. At the start of 2016 there will be a new garden which will be completed for everyone’s enjoyment. Also a new school building will be completed to house our growing Khmer program. The newest school is just starting up in February – a music school where students can learn to play the guitar, piano, and other popular instruments. Lastly newly established Tribal Education Foundation will have its first big event this February 14th – Valentine’s Day. The event will allow our school to show consideration to those who are less fortunate by providing free food for those who come by our school from 8:00 to 12:00 (*see below for a full description of the Tribal Education Foundation). We appreciate your learning about our history and welcome you to join with us as we expand in order to offer international standard education to the people of Banlung and Ratanakiri.