Q&A with Learning Jungle’s Ly Virak

08 Apr 2019 2079 | Business & Trade Fairs

With incomes in the Kingdom raising rapidly, more and more parents are demanding international education services for their children. Khmer Times’ May Kunmakara sits down with Ly Virak, chairman of Learning Jungle International School, who is now opening a new educational institution – Westview Cambodian International School.

KT: Tell us about Westview Cambodian International School.

Mr Virak: With strong support from parents, students, and our own staff, as well as the Ministry of Education, Westview Cambodian International will offer an international secondary education programme with American standards, but with a focus on Khmer language, history and culture. We have created a unique curriculum from grade 7 to 12.

Our vision is to educate the Cambodian youth so that they become responsible and confident citizens equipped with global skills and that embrace their Cambodian culture and values.

Our mission is to prepare our students for the challenges of the modern world through a student-centred and holistic education that aims to help students cultivate the joy of learning, develop grit, build resilience and strengthen their character. We also seek to nurture their entrepreneurial spirit and develop their skills and abilities for innovation and learning as well as help them find the right career path.

KT: Why did you decide to open a new school?

Mr Virak: First of all, Learning Jungle International School offers education from kindergarten to grade 6. After five years of operation, the parents, who have shown tremendous support and trust in our services, have requested that we offer education up to grade 12.

Expanding our business is also in line with my passion to contribute to the development of human resources in Cambodia. My goal is to help build a strong educational foundation through international standards and Cambodian values. Our mission is to help our students be competitive internationally and locally. Based on this mission, we couldn’t just stop at grade 6. We had to expand into secondary education.

KT: I understand that Learning Jungle International School is a branch of an educational institution based in Canada. Is the new school also a branch of the same institution?

Mr Virak: No, Westview Cambodian International School is not a branch.

My team and I have accumulated a lot of experience building Learning Jungle International School and feel we are now ready for this new challenge. Using our extensive networks, we have recruited a team of dedicated and certified international teachers from the United States and Canada, as well as passionate and experienced local and international staff that will help our students achieve the highest academic standards.

To help our students gain access to the top colleges and universities around the world, Westview is currently in the process of becoming accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). Both are world-renowned accrediting educational institutions.