Writing Through Cambodia programme

Writing Through Cambodia is a programme using creative writing to improve Cambodian students’ fluency in English, both spoken and written, to develop their capacity for conceptual thought, and to enhance their self-esteem. It also works with Cambodian teachers.

Sue Guiney and Jeanne McKay collaborated on a week long creative writing workshop at Sala Bai, near Siem Riep. They have co-written a guest post on the Asian Books blog exploring the role of Writing Through Cambodia.

Writing Through Cambodia was founded by Sue Guiney, an American-born, British-resident poet, novelist and educator. When she is not volunteering with Writing Through Cambodia, Jeanne McKay is a conservation biologist living in Singapore, from where she manages a conservation research project in Sumatra, Indonesia.

Writing Through Cambodia is offered in three different formats depending on the needs and scheduling of the school or NGO. Each format uses the same educational techniques of brainstorming, writing, and sharing both poetry and stories. Important note for all formats: each class is always run by a fluent English speaker, with the in-class assistance of a native Khmer teacher who has some advanced knowledge of English. This Khmer teacher is generally already on staff of the participating school or NGO. In this way, the program can be adapted to students of any level of English.