Cellcard, a leading mobile communication company and part of the Royal Group of companies signs  a Strategic Sponsorship Cooperation Agreement with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) to support the roll out of educational programs that aim to uplift the standards of education and deliver improved accessibility to learning especially among Cambodian youth.

Through the Strategic Sponsorship Cooperation, Cellcard is named the ‘Telecommunication Partner’ for a series of three programs as part of Cellcard’s activities in relation with the Capacity Building, Research and Development (CBRD) Fund. The following programs have been specifically designed to address the need for innovative, skills-focused, and inclusive digital education, as well as to nurture the interest for digital technologies among women: Strengthening Teacher Education Programmes (STEPCam), Basic Education Equivalency Programme (BEEP), and Factory Literacy Programme (FLP).

“We are honored to be the’ ‘Telecommunication Partner’ for the Strengthening Teacher Education Programmes (STEPCam), Basic Education Equivalency Programme (BEEP), and Factory Literacy Programme (FLP) educational initiatives of MoEYS utilizing the latest digital technologies. We believe in the power of education to uplift the standards of living and the sustainably boosting the economy. While we work towards enabling the Digital Cambodia, a strong educational foundation is necessary and will hold a substantial role to ensuring this vision comes to reality. We look forward to the successful roll out and collaborative efforts between the MOEYS and Cellcard in extending the reach and impact of these programs.” – Simon Perkins, Cellcard CEO

The official signing ceremony was held on 9^th August 2022 at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, officiated by Royal Group Chairman Neak Okhna Kith Meng, MoEYS Minister, H.E. Dr. HANG Chuon Naron,.

MoEYS Minister, H.E. Dr. HANG Chuon Naron, welcomed the new partnership with Cellcard, which is testament to the increase in investments from private sector partners to improve the quality of education in Cambodia.

“Strengthening the digital skills of our teachers, education staff and youth is a key priority to develop the human resources equipped with 21st century skills to support Cambodia’s digital transformation. The new strategic partnership with Cellcard will support the use of digital technology at different levels of the education system to develop a more inclusive system that provides quality education for all children and youth in Cambodia.”

The Strategic Sponsorship Cooperation will provide support the implementation and expansion of the following three education programm.

• BEEP – a joint initiative between the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) and other development partners to provide flexible alternative online education for out-of-school youth to complete Grade 9 studies.

• FLP – an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) and supported by other development partners, to equip female garment factory workers aged 15 to 45 with basic literacy skills, empowering them to better understand their rights. It also aims to improve reading, writing and critical thinking skills, improving their daily work communication and performance.

• STEPCam – a initiative by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) and supported by other development partners, to enhance the quality and capacity of early grade teachers. It introduces new pedagogical approaches, brings up to date digital education skills to improve early grade learning, thereby laying a strong foundation for the overall quality of education and aligning it with the demands of the new digitalised world.

The signing comes as the significant project under Cellcard’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, aligned with its commitment towards uplifting digital literacy and accessibility of educational content for all Cambodians.