Potential Plus: Why Orphans Matter to Teachers and Their Students

Abstract

<p>What can Australian and New Zealand school</p> <p>students and teachers learn from a relationship</p> <p>with a small orphanage in rural Cambodia?</p> <p>Would it be inspiring and fascinating or tragic</p> <p>and depressing? Would students be interested</p> <p>and engaged or would it make extra work for</p> <p>busy educators already overwhelmed with the</p> <p>realities of classroom management, curriculum</p> <p>and extra-curricular activities? These are</p> <p>questions I recently asked staff in fi ve schools</p> <p>and the answers were surprising. Unanimously,</p> <p>without hesitation, they indicated that their</p> <p>schools had already adopted an orphanage,</p> <p>were considering doing so or would welcome</p> <p>the opportunity!</p>