Phnom Penh: A girls' mentorship program will connect high school students from impoverished areas of Cambodia with university students in the United Kingdom through an online project in collaboration with the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF).

Launched on International Women’s Day (8 March), the scheme aims to empower Cambodian girls with skills to succeed in STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Five students from Neeson Cripps Academy will participate in an exchange program with five students from Solent University in England. This marks the first cross-country exchange between the two institutions.

The focus will be on STEM and the opportunities for girls within STEM fields.

While progress is being made, girls are still underrepresented in Cambodia's science and technology industries, which creates a skills gap that a new generation of girls can fill.

CCF wants to lead the change and champion the development of STEM education for girls in the country.

All female CCF students are encouraged to participate in STEM subjects and after-school clubs, viewing areas such as engineering as viable career paths.

All the Solent University students are studying criminology. They will mentor CCF’s female STEM stars, guiding and sharing knowledge about their education journey and acting as role models for the younger students.

The pilot scheme will run for an initial four months online, with weekly video calls.

Lea Phorn, Education Projects Officer overseeing the project at CCF, says, "This mentoring program will greatly impact our students, allowing them to know more about the world and the options possible through education. By sharing experiences with the Solent University students, I believe this expanded social network will also improve their confidence and English. We're all excited to work with Solent University and hopefully form lasting friendships."

Nigel Lee, Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Solent University, based in Southampton, is a former police officer who has been involved with CCF through its Child Protection Unit (CPU) for over a decade, assisting with training and policy.

“Mentoring has a significant positive impact on both the mentor and mentee, and I am delighted that five of our Criminology students are embarking on this journey. Over the last 10 years, I have seen how the Cambodian Children’s Fund does such important work, and to collaborate with them on this and other projects, to empower young women and champion their futures is an honour,” said Nigel Lee.

Connecting with university students in another country will be invaluable for CCF students, who have all overcome challenges to study and remain in school.

Mey Sreyphkay, 16, a Grade 10 CCF student, says, "I feel excited that I can communicate with UK students and learn from them. This program is unique. I feel nervous because it is a new experience, but I'm looking forward to it. Sharing our lives and learning about another country and culture will also be interesting.”

Solent University BA (Hons) Criminology student Sophie Graydon, 20, says: “Having the chance to be able to listen to these girls’ experiences and support them, sharing my own experiences along the way to hopefully impact them positively, is amazing. To me, mentoring is important as it is a way to give back and build connections with girls who I would have never had the chance to meet otherwise.”

CCF has been actively serving the Steung Meanchey community for almost two decades, providing direct support and assistance. Their efforts have positively impacted the lives of thousands of children and families, enabling them to achieve a better quality of life. As of now, the program has around 1,800 children enrolled, starting from nursery and going up to university levels. Alongside this, the organization also provides medical care facilities, community outreach programs, and housing communities.

For more information, please contact:

Kate Ginn Senior Communications Editor, CCF

017 618 822 kate.ginn@cambodianchildrensfund.org