Internships Open Doors to Hope
DYK? – Two-thirds of Cambodians are under the age of 30.*
In Canada, children have the opportunity to learn about technology when they are very young. Many children play with their parents’ phones before they can walk or talk. Most schools are equipped with computers, internet, and the ability to teach digital literacy. Many grandparents rely on their grandkids to teach them how to use the technology they have. But many countries in the Majority world do not have education about technology or the equipment to teach it.
Learning Digital Skills
Recent graduate from high school, Sry Nit, an indigenous Bunong student and youth intern at World Hope International Cambodia (WHI-C), is passionate to go on to further education. Nit learned about the internship program from her principal. She is one of eight students who qualified for scholarships through REDD+ Scholarships and Internships for Vocational Training and (WHI-C).
In High school, I never used a computer; I only learned theory and sometimes not even that.”
Sry Nit
Nit is the first person in her family to pursue an associate’s degree. She is studying information technology. Nit did not have the opportunity to use a computer in school but did learn a little bit of theory. Without access to an actual computer, her knowledge and computer skills were lacking. The internship with World Hope International Cambodia is allowing her to learn skills on the job and is preparing her for IT work.
Not only will she learn IT, but her internship also includes leading in areas of youth leadership, Bunong cultural performance, education about healthy gender relationships, and teaching youth in the community about KeoSeima Wildlife Sanctuary. This internship is preparing Nit for a successful future.
Looking Ahead
In the future, Nit wants to pursue a bachelor’s degree and teach, but right now working in IT will give her an income so she can pursue her dreams. One of the reasons she wants to teach is to educate children to use technology, so they have more opportunities than she had. What a beautiful goal, what a beautiful heart. One who longs to make a difference for the next generation. This is what matters.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to do their best. Perhaps St. Jerome said it best, “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best.”
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
Interested in reading more about the work World Hope is doing in Cambodia? Check out this blog post about women empowerment among the Bunong people.
*2024 Youth Voices Matter – Survey Report by UNDP Cambodia
