In collaboration with Woori Bank (Cambodia) Plc, ChildFund Cambodia, Teach For Cambodia and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport on September 22, 2023 launched a project designed to close the digital divide in education.

The initiative is set to revolutionise digital competency in Cambodian schools and provide equal opportunities for students to thrive in the digital age.

Supported by Woori Bank Cambodia through ChildFund Korea, the three-year project will enhance digital education and infrastructure in 21 carefully selected schools across Phnom Penh, and Kandal and Kampong Thom provinces.

By providing access to cutting-edge technology, the initiative – with an estimated 64,613 direct participants including teachers, parents and government officials – aims to equip more than 24,000 students with fundamental computer skills, financial literacy and online safety knowledge.

Its holistic approach is intended to create a generation of talented global citizens well prepared for navigating the digital landscape.

ChildFund Cambodia will collaborate with expert local NGO Teach for Cambodia and the government in implementing the project.

The initiative’s sustainability and impact is to be ensured through collaborative networking and capacity building, as well as government and community engagement.

"This project perfectly aligns with the ministry's Education Strategic Development Plan and will play a pivotal role in equipping students with essential competencies and skills in ICT, financial literacy and online safety.

"We deeply appreciate the dedication of Woori Bank Cambodia, ChildFund Cambodia and their partners in advancing skills, literacy and education in the Kingdom," said HE Dr Im Koch, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education.

Woori Bank Cambodia CEO Hong Ju Kim expressed pride at supporting the pioneering initiative led by ChildFund Cambodia, saying he believed empowering students with digital, financial and online safety competencies would not only unlock their potential, but also enable them to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

ChildFund Cambodia Country Director Prashant Verma said: "The capacity of teachers to utilise digital, financial and online safety resources and teaching methodologies within the curriculums developed will add special value to the quality of education in the Kingdom.”

Namhee Yoon, representing ChildFund Korea, spoke of her organisation's commitment to improving the lives of children and fulfilling their rights, while emphasising its unwavering support for the ChildFund Cambodia project and expressing excitement over the positive impacts it will have on the lives of children in the Kingdom.