PNC has trained nearly 6,000 youths, empowering them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the digital economy. Supplied
Since 2005, Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC), the local arm of the French NGO Passerelles Numériques, has been on a mission to provide underprivileged Cambodian youths with high-quality, holistic, and innovative free-of-charge academic training in Information Technology (IT).
The initiative aims to equip students with the skills needed to ensure their employability, helping them break the cycle of poverty and contribute to the country’s growing IT sector.
On February 22, PNC celebrated the achievements of its students with a graduation ceremony that marked the success of three generations of graduates.
The event, brought together around 600 attendees, including 216 alumni, their families and partners from the corporate, education and NGO sectors.
The February 22 graduation ceremony brought together around 600 attendees, including 216 alumni, their families, and partners from the corporate, education and NGO sectors. Supplied
“The graduation ceremony was a testament to PNC’s role in shaping the future of Cambodia’s young workforce,” according to a PNC press release.
“Since its inception, PNC has focused on providing a comprehensive two-year IT training programme that includes technical skills in web design, software development, system administration and programming, as well as essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking,” it said.
The programme is designed not only to ensure technical proficiency but also to prepare students for the challenges of the modern workforce.
One of the key aspects of PNC’s success lies in its holistic approach to education.
In addition to academic training, students are provided with support that covers accommodation, meals, medical care and personal development activities such as sports, music and other extracurricular clubs.
A student and her mother express their gratitude to PNC during her graduation. Supplied
This comprehensive support ensures that students can fully focus on their studies without the financial burdens that often accompany education, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The graduation ceremony also underscored the organisation's long-standing relationships with several corporate partners, who actively contribute to the training and placement of PNC graduates.
Chinda Sam, a representative of Proseth Solutions, a fully Cambodian-owned IT company, shared how many of their staff were former PNC students who have since risen to managerial positions within the company.
“We were founded in 2013 and are a fully Cambodian-owned IT company. Many of our initial staff were PNC graduates from underprivileged backgrounds across Cambodia. Those who joined us in 2013 are now in top management positions, and they support their families and contribute to society,” said Sam.
Hybunna Hang, PNC country director, expressed his gratitude towards all PNC’s partners, as well as his pride – and congratulations – to the assembled alumni.
“77 new students from underprivileged backgrounds joined the training centre last January to begin the Web Development Programme,” Hang noted.
The graduation was also attended by Soum Ratana, undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. He praised PNC for its contribution to improving the quality of education in the Kingdom.
Ratana explained that PNC’s work aligns with the Cambodian government’s educational policies, particularly the Education Strategic Plan 2024-2028, which aims to ensure equitable access to quality education for all Cambodians.
PNC’s efforts have had a significant impact on the lives of its students. With a 100 per cent employment rate within three months of graduation, PNC students are entering the IT job market with salaries higher than the national average.
The organisation also focuses on gender inclusivity, with 50 per cent of its current students being young women, helping to address the gender gap in the Cambodian tech sector.
Since its establishment, PNC has trained nearly 6,000 youths, and remains committed to adapting its programmes to meet the changing demands of the digital economy.
“As Cambodia’s IT sector continues to grow, the need for highly skilled professionals is expected to increase at an annual rate of 30 per cent,” noted the press release.
