Neeson Cripps Academy

Meet Makara, 17, and already building her future in robotics.

When girls are given the chance to learn, lead, and innovate in STEM, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.

Makara hopes to get picked for the Cambodian team competing in the FIRST Global Robotics Challenge, an Olympics-style competition for students from over 190 countries. She missed out last year, with the spot going to another CCF student.

This year, Makara wants to go one better and win a place on the national team for the final in South Korea.

“I love coding and robotics, and I enjoy solving problems. I hope to work in coding and technology when I am older, says Makara.

Her dream is to study computer science, and she’ll become the first in her family to attend university.

La (on the right) was once a young girl at CCF, where the idea of going to university, especially in a STEM field, felt out of reach. Today, at 28, she is proving just how powerful opportunity can be.

Now studying for her Master’s in Information Technology and working at CCF, La is giving back to the very community that shaped her, creating opportunities for children just like her younger self.

“When I was a kid at CCF, the chance of going to university for STEM was so low. That’s why I’m back, to help more kids choose their own path,” says La.

Through her work in technology, digital art, and student projects, she is opening doors and breaking down barriers, especially for girls.

She works with colleague, Komsan, 27, our STEM officer who is studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) (PGCEi) through our partner, the University of Nottingham. Together, they are inspiring the next generation to explore, innovate, and dream bigger.

Thank you to Claire Oberle, a Fulbright scholar from the U.S, for coming to the NCA to teach our students and share valuable experiences. Your knowledge, dedication, and insights have inspired our students and contributed greatly to their learning and personal growth.

https://priceschool.usc.edu/news/fulbright-student-cambodia-childrens-fund/

Read more below:

Fulbright student and Price alumna helps Cambodians tell their stories Learn about Claire Oberle's experience with the Fulbright student program and her mission to help children in Cambodia.

We’re incredibly proud to be named Best STEM School in the Global Schools Prize!

It's recognition of our amazing students, dedicated staff, and the power of education to create opportunity.

From garbage dump to global STEM champions - phnompenhpost.com A Phnom Penh-based school serving children from one of the city’s most impoverished communities has been named the world’s best STEM school, marking a major

It was an honour to celebrate our Neeson Cripps Academy winning the best STEM school award in the Global Schools Prize with His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, at the Education World Forum in London today.

Our award was collected by CCF UK Trustee, Dan Roberts.

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4fuMMIW

With thanks to the Varkey Foundation for the recognition.