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Transforming Futures: Digital Literacy Initiative (DLI) Unveils Ambitious Project to Empower Cambodian Youth

Cambodia
Initial vocational education and training
23.01.2024
In a significant step towards reshaping the educational landscape in Cambodia, the Digital Literacy Initiative (DLI) officially launched its transformative program on January 18th. The initiative, spanning two years (2024 – 2025), is funded by The Dariu Foundation (TDF) and implemented by Swisscontact, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) and the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT). 
"The program will work closely with the government at the national and sub-national levels. The relevant national institutes, the private sector, and development organizations are important partners. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) and the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT) to support the Cambodian government to further improve public education in a way that youth is better prepared to undertake productive activities in the digital economy."
Mr. Philippe Schneuwly, CEO of Swisscontact

The overarching goal of DLI is to qualify youth for active inclusion in the digital economy by providing essential digital literacy education and closing the digital gap. The program aims to go beyond traditional coding education, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and a range of skills crucial for future higher education and professional activities. 

DLI strategically targets youth planning to enter the job market within the next 1–2 years, focusing on high schools and Technical and Vocational Schools in Siem Reap and Battambang provinces. The program encompasses activities such as capacity development for schools, training for students, establishing and strengthening coding clubs, and a commitment to consolidate and scale-up resources for wider access. 

"Learning to code benefits education in multiple ways. Through coding, the students learn to think critically and to solve problems when something does not work.  Moreover, in Coding Clubs students develop applications to address practical problems in the society. In doing so, they learn leadership, presentation skills, communication skills, time management, and designing project proposals with budgets. These competencies are important for future higher education and professional activities."
Mr. Daniel Keller, Vice President of the Dariu Foundation 

The program aims for two key outcomes:  

  • Outcome 1: Students who have participated in the program engage in productive wage employment, self-employment, entrepreneurship or pursue further education related to the digital economy.  
  • Outcome 2: After the end of the program, framework conditions are in place that allow high schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools to independently implement Coding Clubs and Coding Courses as a voluntary activity. 

The anticipated impact of DLI includes enabling four target high schools and five TVET schools to implement coding classes, coding clubs, and digital entrepreneurship training. Furthermore, the initiative aims to empower 1,200 students in these schools with basic coding and entrepreneurial skills through access to coding classes and entrepreneurship courses. 

DLI stands out with its commitment to open access. All materials developed as part of the coding courses, coding clubs, and digital entrepreneurship courses will be freely available on public platforms. Moreover, lessons learned from implementing digital literacy education will be shared publicly, contributing to the broader education community. 

The launch event of the Digital Literacy Initiative (DLI) in Phnom Penh marked the beginning of a journey that aspires to equip Cambodian youth with essential digital skills, preparing them to navigate and succeed in the dynamic digital landscape. 

Cambodia
Initial vocational education and training
Digital Literacy Initiative Cambodia
The overall goal of the Programme is to qualify youth for inclusion in the digital economy, by enabling the access to digital literacy education and closing the digital gap.  Through coding, the students learn to think critically and to solve problems when something does not work. Through developing applications to address practical problems in society, they gain leadership, communication, and project management skills. These competencies are important for future higher education and professional activities.
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