A girl enjoying her computer class

Neither the monsoon season with its heavy rain and the muddy roads nor the long distance from home can discourage 14 year-old Saly to regularly attend the computer class at school. 

“I am eager to learn how to use a computer because I want to get a good job and a better livelihood for my family,” Saly says excitedly.

 
Saly is one of the students who puts extra effort into her studies by attending computer classes. Saly dreams of a brighter future. She says when she grows up she would like to work for an organisation like Plan.

Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Asia with 34 per cent living on less than one dollar a day.

Siem Reap province is the fastest growing tourism destination in South East Asia, and therefore has huge potential of employment opportunities for the youth living in the surrounding districts.

However, limited access to education and lack of skills are the main barriers preventing children from getting out of the poverty cycle.

To provide useful skills for the children, Plan has equipped one primary school and two junior high schools in Angkor Thom and Bantey Srei districts with 16 computers running on solar energy. A computer teacher has been appointed to each school and English language classes are also provided.
   
Growing up as a typical rural Cambodian boy, Sophal had never imagined that he would learn anything about computers.

“I cannot believe I know how to use a computer at my age.  I am so happy and would like to be a computer teacher in the future,” says Sophal.