Phnom Penh, 17th August 2022, the Institute of Digital Technology, Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology is officially launching the volunteer program “KHoding Hero 2022” supported by USAID, Digital Workforce Development, and BLUM Center For Developing Economics, the University of California, Berkeley with the 48 volunteers that participate in the program. The event is presided over by H.E Dr. Seng Sopheap, president of Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology at the Innovation Center.
KHoding Hero is the program created that aims to enhance and reduce the gap in ICT skills between urban and rural areas by providing essential knowledge and inspiring high school and junior high school students in the province. It would primarily focus on providing training in ICT, coding, and the English language.
According to Mr. VAN Khema, Deputy Director General of the Institute of Digital Technology, KHoding Hero is a program that goes through a comprehensive process to recruit volunteers consisting of talented students that are excellent in academics and passionate about sharing their knowledge with the younger generation. Through the recruitment process, the program has received over 60 applications and selected only the best 48 candidates (16 female) to join the program.
The program will be conducted in two districts, Romeas Haek District and Romdoul District, Svay Rieng Province. The volunteers will be performed as a team (4 members each) and play a mentor role for the students while living with the locals there.
H.E Mr. HEAN Samboeun shared that “ This program aims to encourage young students in rural areas to learn more and pursue digital technology skills. We know that this initiative will contribute to the future development of Cambodia. CADT wishes that all the volunteers will be completed this program successfully and also became an inspiration to the younger generation. “
KHoding Hero is expected to be a one-month volunteering program that will be going to 12 schools (high school 7, junior high school 5).
Mr. PEN Chanda stated that Digital Workforce Development is proud to be part of this exciting program. I think this is something that is needed and will empower the digital workforce in the future. He also encourages the volunteers to enjoy the journey and be the next generation of educators, not only you will provide mentorship and be able to inspire others but also will learn from such a great experience.
H.E Dr. SENG Sopheap shared in his remark that “ We go there to inspire, to encourage them to love and explore the digital technology skills. While in the past have been the only traditional job that everyone dreams of, now we push for them to dream about having jobs in digital skills like an engineer, programmer, and innovator. We go there to train, share our knowledge, and inspire them to dream bigger. I ask the volunteer to become a role model by being respectful, flexible, and creative. This will continue to be your legacy and expand your impact on your outreach influence further.
