Research writer and public speaking mentor Sokun Sokha runs a special school for Grades 7-12. PHOTO SUPPLIED
A young academic expressed the view that an increase in the number of readers will lead to an increase in the number of poets, writers, researchers and compilers. This growth is crucial to the preservation of Cambodia’s rich literary tradition, and will promote the intellectual heritage of the Kingdom.
Sokun Sokha works as a public speaking mentor and debating instructor at the CEO Institute, and is also the founder and director of the Qualified Youth Tuition School.
“Many government institutions, especially the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, are inspiring young writers by creating competitions for many compositions, including novels, poems and even film scripts. This is a positive sign for the production of new resources – young writers may be the hope of Cambodia,” he said.
Sokha explained that he became a trainer due to his passion for sharing knowledge.
“I have loved to teach since an early age. When I was in 6th grade, I used to tutor children from lower grades to earn pocket money. When you teach with love, it is not tiring. I enjoy studying, researching, and devising new lesson plans,” he said.
He wants to cultivate a new culture of teaching and learning. Although there is a lot of important work to be done, teaching is still a passion that cannot be overlooked.
“The new way of teaching is to give students the freedom to express themselves, dare to wonder, dare to ask and even dare to question. A classroom should be a pleasant learning environment, rather than one where students feel pressured. It is important that students are learning to think for themselves, rather than just memorising things for an exam,” he said.
Based on these principles, he established Qualified Youth Tuition School, which provides a new kind of educational service for students from grades 7 to 12. The school features the slogan “Happy learning, quick learning, the correct use of knowledge.”
He wants to participate in building the Cambodian nation into a Buddhist society that places value on educating future generations.
“We are pioneers who must clear the thorns and create a pathway for those who will come behind us. All prominent or successful people have the opportunity, the ability, and the choice to help the Kingdom by leading it to prosperity,” he said.
Sokha has already trained hundreds of students in public speaking and debating skills, teaching them to form their own theories and take responsibility for them.
“A number of young people have said that they are not interested in these two soft skills, but it is important that they learn to value the art of speaking well. Just as important is the ability to debate ideas. Ideally, this involves creating a culture of dialogue, and allows for an idea to be thoroughly explored – without conflict arising. This is one key to peaceful co-existence, which is essential to development, both nationally and personally,” he said.
He has also participated in many volunteer and charitable activities.
Sokha was born in Phnom Penh and is currently studying for a Master’s degree in law at the Royal University of Law and Economics.
Since 2015 to the present, he has been a research writer and editor, and has published more than 10 works. From 2017-2019, he was an assistant deputy prosecutor with the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.
