Our 200+ students/alumni need a lab to research potential job positions, diversify their skills, and continue their studies safely. In Siem Reap, Cambodia universities, students have very limited access to computers (including IT students) and generally cannot afford a personal computer. With the outbreak of COVID-19, we want to provide students the opportunity to sign-out laptops and computers to focus on utilizing/developing skills to find new opportunities, teach online, research, and study.
In the wake of COVID-19, the majority of youth in Cambodia are losing their jobs & hotels/tour agencies are closing indefinitely. Youths and their families depend on the income of city based jobs to purchase food/basic items for the house. Many PEPY students study tourism and hospitality in Siem Reap. At the Learning Center, we introduce skills applicable to many career fields; this lab allows students to expand their potential to find new opportunities, study, or teach to support their family.
A student computer lab will allow them to sign out laptops & access text/media resources to further develop their technology skills. Students' chances of getting a more secure job would improve with more computer skills, but they cannot afford a computer and university labs are very lacking with low functioning computers and limited operating hours. Our IT students would like powerful computers to code and develop. This is their chance to diversify their skills and make an income from anywhere.
We want students and staff to be more entrepreneurial and skilled in tech. Currently, students attend the Learning Center for 1 year studying basic computer classes like Microsoft Office, video editing, emailing, and Google Docs. This lab will allow current and former students to explore applications, self teach, and design videos/web-pages. We plan to develop a stronger curriculum, create a hub space for exchanging ideas, enabling Khmer youth to be technologically proficient
