Computer Training for 120 Cambodian Youth

EYC is happy to report that we met our fundraising goal thanks to our generous donors, and are underway to provide quality computer training to over 120 young people living in poor communities. We have done some upgrading in recent months, replacing hardware and doing system upgrades, allowing our teachers to teach from MS 2010 and Photoshop. We also have increased the responsibilities and salaries of some of our existing teachers who are mostly EYC alumni, enabling them to better focus on their teaching. Two teachers have also received scholarships to receive advanced IT training as part of our effort to upgrade the quality of our trainers.

We’ve also expended our XO computer training which is now being taught at Youth School. The XO computers are a tool for independent learning and critical thinking. Some activities require the students to think hard, but the classes are fun and our students love it.

Each of our computer labs is equipped with Internet, and after completing the basic training students are introduced to using the Internet, which they pick up fast. The use of technology has great potential to level the playing field in a highly corrupt country like Cambodia where having information can challenge the existing power structures.

Competency with computers is a prerequisite for many jobs, and EYC has had good results with students being placed into jobs through our job placement program. One EYC student, a university sophomore, said “I am happy to be an EYC student and especially I get a chance to study for free. After finishing the courses I will apply for a job, and because a good job requires computer skills, I hope to be able to get a good job.” EYC has had great success to date with students learning computers and putting those skills to work in many ways, from working in offices to creating media campaigns. Thanks to your support we will continue building these skills and it will empower our students.