Whilst both Lisa and Martin attended Northbridge International School (NISC) during our first term in Cambodia (2001-2005), they moved over to Hope International School from 2006. Lisa studied there for three years (Year 9-11) before heading back to England to study for AS-levels at The Sixth Form College, Colchester. Martin continues at Hope, however, and having completed Year 6-8, is currently in Year 9.Hope has a strong Christian family ethos, and the curriculum is a Commonwealth one, leading to IGCSEs and AS-levels under Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). The school was only in its infancy during our first term, but by the time we returned from Home Assignment in 2006, it had become the clear choice for us as a family. Several OMF families made similar decisions around that time, and OMF children now make up some 10% of the school!
One of the strong distinctives of Hope is its aim to provide affordable schooling for Christian workers in Cambodia. To maintain this the Board comprises (alongside the Director, teacher and Parent Council representatives), representatives from the member missions who are committed to the school. Amongst these is OMF, and I have served as the OMF representative on the Board since December 2007. I am currently Vice Chair of the overall Board, as well as acting as Appeals Member, and chairing the Personnel Committee.
The picture above shows the main entrance of Hope (with some Sinclairs in a tuk tuk outside), and those below, Brent Willsmore (the Director), a Year 11 science class (with Lisa hidden in their midst), and the dining area.
