Nishimachi International School

A visitor from the Kirivorn School, Cambodia

August 29, 2006 - September 11, 2006
By Connie McAninch, Grade 7 Advisor

Nishimachi International School recently had the pleasure of hosting Chhorn Chansy, English and computer teacher from the Kirivorn School in Cambodia. After a night flight from Phnom Penh, via Bangkok, he arrived in Tokyo on the morning of August 29, 2006.

During his visit, Chansy, as he was affectionately called by everyone, observed classes ranging from English to Japanese, from Elementary Computers to Scratch Animation Exploratory, and from Music to Math. He plans to incorporate some of the NIS teachers’ techniques into his classes at the Kirivorn School.

Chansy had the opportunity to answer students’ questions about life in Cambodia and at the Kirivorn School. Terry Christian introduced Chansy to the Nishimachi community during the Parental Back to School night, and he briefly addressed the crowd. Chansy also participated in Otsukimi and greatly enjoyed the evening’s piano concert and viewing the moon through the school telescope.

Chansy also had the chance to visit Akihabara and the Apple Store, and was given a laptop computer for the Kirivorn School, as well as some software CD’s. In addition, Chansy traveled to both Hakone and Nikko, thanks to the generosity of Nishimachi families. He sampled new cuisines on evenings when he went to dinner with teachers and families. He was particularly fond of beef, which is rare in Cambodia.

This was a trip of firsts for Chansy – first plane ride, first train trip, first ride in a cable car, first earthquake drill.
Chansy returned home to Phnom Penh on September 11, 2006. In Chansy’s words, “I really enjoyed my visit to Japan. I got some experience for my job and learned what living abroad is like.” He invites members of the NIS community to visit him and the Kirivorn School. Both Chansy and NIS wish to thank those who extended a warm welcome to him during his visit. In particular, the Batten and Hodge families, who opened their doors to him and gave him a bed, in addition to taking him sightseeing. Lastly, we would like to thank Bernie Krisher, former Newsweek bureau chief in Tokyo and NIS alumni parent, as well as founder of the Cambodian Rural Schools Project, who arranged the trip.