This month, audiences can stream SOLS Solution on Planet Classroom’s YouTube Channel. This title is curated for Planet Classroom by Actuality Abroad.
SOLS Solution is a hopeful short documentary set in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where SOLS 24/7 provides free English, computer literacy, and life-skills training to underserved learners. Directed by Logan Cassidy, the film follows Sasi and Saron as lessons grow into confidence, agency, and opportunities at home and work.
Producer/editor Chester Xie and cinematographer Arielle Flinkman keep the storytelling intimate—classrooms, conversations, and small wins that add up. More than a program profile, SOLS Solution shows how community-based education can break cycles of poverty and widen access to the digital economy, highlighting the mentors who guide students from first steps to sustainable change.
The Global Search for Education is pleased to welcome Logan Cassidy and Arielle Flinkman.
What moment during filming confirmed for you that SOLS 24/7’s approach truly changes lives—and how did you capture that without interrupting learning?
The moment I realized that SOLS methods were actually changing lives was during the training they implemented to help students with their confidence. They would have the students line up facing each other in rows and just practice looking each other in the eye. At first, it was a really bizarre thing to witness from the sidelines, but the methodology behind the eye contact makes sense. SOLS is trying to prepare these kids to be functioning members of society, and having confidence in yourself is paramount. If you can’t look someone in the eye when speaking to them, how will you function in the workplace?
Classrooms can be sensitive spaces. What choices in consent, camera placement, and sound kept sessions natural while ensuring respect and safety for participants?
Of course, we were trying to be respectful when on set and filming, but everyone in the SOLS program knew we were there and filming. We never had an issue with filming something that was going to be deemed too “sensitive” for the documentary.
Beyond what we see on screen, what growth did Sasi or Saron describe—confidence, work, school—that didn’t fit the final cut?
Sasi was the epitome of what SOLS is trying to do when a student goes through their program—he was respectful, engaging, and immensely confident in his abilities to perform in his personal life and professional life.
One aspect of the SOLS program that didn’t make the cut was the fact that many SOLS graduates didn’t actually leave SOLS to go out into the workforce. Most of the non-students we met transitioned from students into some form of teaching position or administrative position. I remember asking Sasi what his plans were after graduation, and he told us he was looking forward to working for SOLS. This pipeline of SOLS student to SOLS employee didn’t make the final cut.
For viewers inspired to help, what support is most impactful for SOLS 24/7 right now (equipment, scholarships, partnerships), and how can they get involved?
Like all things, SOLS needs capital to function effectively. If you feel inspired to help their cause, you can donate directly on their website: https://donate.sols.foundation/
C.M. (Cathy) Rubin with Logan Cassidy & Arielle Flinkman.
📺 SOLS Solution is now streaming on Planet Classroom’s YouTube Channel. This film is curated by Actuality Abroad.
