Modern technology has dramatically changed the way people live, work, study, and communicate. More recently, with the global impact of Covid-19, people began to use technology even more such as video conferencing and online social meetings (where face-to face communication was not possible) online ordering of food and many consumables (as travel was discouraged, or businesses were closed). There is not doubt that new and future technologies will continue to be at the forefront of people’s daily lives around the world.

In Cambodia, our concern is that public schools don’t have computer courses as part of their curriculum. Also, as the poverty level remains relatively high school students are unable to purchase their own personal computers. Furthermore, especially in rural Cambodian communities, it is difficult to find professional teachers in this field. Therefore, many students do not know what a computer is and they have few opportunities to learn the related skills.

At Green Umbrella we are very keen to do whatever we can to ensure that essential computer skills are shared with our students. We want our KKS students to be successful in the world of computing and technology, so ongoing lessons on these topics are provided. In addition, more specific topics of robotics and coding are included, which are taught during the weekend. GU truly believes that these are invaluable skills and a key part of education for any student seeking future employment. 

Green Umbrella is collaborating with E-Robot, providing robotics and coding training for six months. Our objective is to provide many skills, both conceptually, and professionally. Conceptually, students can do homework, have the ability to give ideas or comments, are innovative, and have a high commitment to study. More special is that they get time to research to a deeper level on topics in which they are particularly interested. For professional skills, students have a better understanding of science, technology, and engineering which are the foundation of STEM education. 

Kosal, a founder of the E-Robot team, shares that robotics and coding are closely linked to education because robots can help students to be creative, curious, and research to gain real knowledge and skills. Typically, coding is also better at providing in-depth thinking, accurate problem-solving, and building students’ confidence. 

E-Robot was created in 2018 and has experienced joining an event to show and spread knowledge about Coding and Robotic to everyone to gain more knowledge about it. 

Kosal reflects on three important points from E-Robot experience in training robotics and coding with GU’s student.

1). students get the opportunity to observe and participate during the lessons and then practice the skill themselves with other students. This often encourages students to continue learning these technologies in the future, which equips them with invaluable skills. This likely to make them very employable. 

2). Green Umbrella is highly appreciated within the community for helping to train children and youth to play an important role in society. The organization brings great opportunities to local children to gain knowledge while collaborating with others, which is the key to their success in the future. 

3). Inspired by Green Umbrella, the E-robot team also want share their experiences and to be part of the development of Cambodia youth. They wish to guide and inspire young people in the areas of social work and social sciences.

During the training, Green Umbrella and E-Robot team achieve a high level of training, in which the students design, write code, research, use google apps and other programs. We strongly believe that this project will contribute toward the development of new knowledge and critical skills for Cambodia rural.

Finally, we strong believe that this project will end happily with the growth and development of new knowledge for the local people as well.