This page was last updated on July 29, 2023

Who We Are

OUR HISTORY

The Teacher Development Support Organization, formerly know as  The Angkor Tree Project is the result of long term cooperation between enthusiastic Cambodian teachers and various western supporters. The project has its roots in Cambodia and is run by the people in Cambodia. The western partners give their support and help where they can.

It all started as a small initiative, providing free English classes to neighbourhood kids. Under a thatched roof, protected from the scorching heat of the tropical sun and sheltered from the sometimes heavy rain showers, kids discovered the richness and joy of acquiring English as a second language.

As demand grew, we transformed the living room into a second classroom. A second teacher joined the team. And when we had to add another classroom, not more than a few weeks later, we experienced that the real challenge was finding well-trained teachers. 
We decided to provide training to our own staff, and why not, to make these training sessions also available for teachers in other NGOs. The Teacher Training Centre was born!
A professional teacher-trainer joined the young team, and suddenly things went at warp speed; the number of teachers requesting to join the training sessions increased rapidly. At the same time, we decided to add Language training for teachers to our portfolio.
The pandemic has catapulted education into the 21st century! Computers, the internet, distance learning, blended learning …it all became a necessity. IT literacy has become an absolute necessity for all those involved in education, especially teachers. Hence our IT-training programs.

OUR VISION

At The Teacher Development Support Organisation, we firmly believe that every child has the fundamental right to a trained teacher. We understand that no child should be forced to beg or work, and they should be entitled to enjoy their childhood – to learn, play, make friends, and grow in a safe and happy environment.

With this core belief at the heart of our mission, we are dedicated to ensuring that all children, regardless of their circumstances or location, have access to well-trained and qualified teachers. We believe that a trained teacher can make an immense difference in a child’s life, providing them with the guidance, knowledge, and support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.

Aligned with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, we are committed to primarily contributing to the goal of quality education. Our mission is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all children. By focusing on the importance of a trained teaching workforce, we aim to empower teachers with the necessary skills and expertise to create nurturing and impactful learning environments.

Furthermore, we recognize the significance of multilingual education as a crucial lever in providing learners with access to high-quality educational opportunities. By embracing multilingual education, we equip teachers with the tools to cater to diverse learners and foster cross-cultural understanding and communication.

Through our dedication to nurturing well-trained teachers and advocating for quality education, we envision a world where every child’s right to a trained teacher is realized, and they are provided with the education and support they deserve to reach their full potential. Together, we can transform the lives of children, shaping a brighter and more promising future for generations to come.

OUR MISSION

At our teacher training and learning centres in Siem Reap, we are dedicated to empowering educators and fostering the holistic development of children and adolescents. Our mission is to provide high-quality training and educational support, creating a nurturing environment that enables teachers and learners to thrive.

We strive to enhance the professional growth of educators by equipping them with innovative teaching methodologies, effective classroom management techniques, and a deep understanding of child development. Through comprehensive training programs, workshops, and mentoring, we aim to inspire and empower teachers to become compassionate, skilled, and lifelong learners themselves.

Our attached learning centre is committed to nurturing children and adolescents’ intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being. We believe every child deserves access to quality education and opportunities for personal growth. Our learning centre provides a safe and inclusive space where students can explore, through language classes, their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a love for learning. The learning centre also provides a space for future and early-career teachers to observe and practice.

We prioritize a learner-centred approach, tailoring our educational practices to individual needs, abilities, and learning styles. By fostering a collaborative and engaging learning environment, we aim to ignite curiosity, encourage creativity, and promote the development of essential life skills. Our dedicated team of educators and staff work hand-in-hand with parents and the community to create a supportive ecosystem that nurtures the holistic growth of every child.

Through our teacher training and learning centres, we envision a future where educators are empowered to create meaningful and transformative educational experiences, and every child and adolescent has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Because every child has the right to a trained teacher.

OUR VALUES

Fairness and transparency: we commit to using the resources entrusted to us solely for the organisation’s objectives and to communicate regularly, timely and entirely on our activities and progress.

Service to the community: we commit to letting the interest of the local and global communities take precedence over our personal interest, even over the organisation’s interest.

Excellence and continuous improvement: we commit to permanently striving to improve the quality of our services and programs.

Our values are translated in a number of clear codes and policies.

Our team in Cambodia
Management Team
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Son Nat

Executive Director

Mark Desmaele

Delegate of the Board

Sopheak Ngo

School Principal

Sokly Sour

Head of Teacher Training

Soriya Un

Operations Manager

Our Team

Thoeut Proeun

Project Manager

Seksa Eam

English Teacher/Coach

Chamrong Youn

Teacher Coach

Sokhit Kan

IT Coordinator

Lina Samrith

Teacher Coach

Saroeun Nhem

Teacher Trainer

Thida Song

English Teacher

Phary Kath

Gardener

Tola Tem

M&A Officer

Sokun Son

Housekeeper

Ann Uy

English Teacher

Houk Thoeurn

Language Coach

Sopheak Ros

Program Manager

Kimset Ray

English Teacher/Coach

Vandy Khan

English Teacher

Korb Kem

English Teacher- Coach

OUR INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

Mark Desmaele

Delegate of the Board

Annie Bainbrdige

United Kingdom

David Cami

Australia

OUR SPECIAL ADVISORS

Prof. Michael Goethals

Special Advisor TESOL

BELGIAN FOUNDATION BOARD
Bestuur vzw

Ludwig Jegers

Treasurer

Mark Desmaele

Delegate of the Board

OUR ETHICAL OFFICER

Iris Vanderwee

Ethical Officer

See our ethical code to understand the role of the ethical officer

Legal and compliance data

Teacher Development Support Organisation.

Boeng Doun Pa Village – Slorkram Commune 17251
Siem Reap – Kingdom of Cambodia
NGO registration nr 10968
Contact: [email protected]

TDSO (Teacher Development Support Organisation) vzw

Donkstraat 61 – 3150 Haacht-Wespelaar
Belgium
Ond nr BE 0642 700 026
Contact: [email protected]

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