Sparking interest in science and technology in rural Cambodia

Samaritan’s Purse is raising a new generation of doctors, programmers, and engineers in some of the most unlikely places.

The experiences open doors for a teenager named Sona.

The eldest of five children in a farming family in Pailin province, Cambodia, she is used to taking on responsibilities. Throughout her 14 years of life, her parents taught her the value of hard work, which she consistently applied to her education.

Recently, she channeled that raw motivation into a new passion when a Samaritan’s Purse program offered her the opportunity to study STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) at her high school.

Thanks to this program, Sona now has access to a brand new laboratory and a well-stocked library. It has also allowed her professors to lead her in hands-on projects that teach the principles and practices of scientific and technological exploration. This will help prepare her and her peers for the rapidly changing workforce in Cambodia.

While working on the STEM science club project, Sona felt a validation of her gifts and interests. Today, she is determined to become a doctor so she can serve her community.

As Samaritan’s Purse staff strive to educate up to 1,800 students, faculty and administrators in STEM principles, the Gospel is proclaimed at every touchpoint. Staff distribute tracts about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and personally invite people to follow Christ. The new libraries we offer also include biblical literature that students and educators can read as they continue to grow their knowledge of the Lord Jesus.

STEM was a dream come true for Sona! The additional resources opened up a world of possibilities, allowing him to deepen his studies and discover the wonders of science and the God who created everything. She also began participating in the science club offered by STEM, where she engaged in experiments with her peers.

“For Sona, each experience was a step closer to her dream of becoming a doctor, a goal that was close to her heart,” said a Samaritan’s Purse staff member.

Confirm the meaning of life

When the STEM program held a competition for the science club, Sona and her friends worked hard to prepare their applications. To their surprise, they won first place among seven teams. This realization confirmed to him that his dream of becoming a doctor was worth pursuing because it would change the lives of others in his community.

“The skills and knowledge she gained through the project were invaluable stepping stones in her journey toward this goal,” said a Samaritan’s Purse staff member.

Sona is deeply grateful to Samaritan’s Purse for bringing this opportunity and new possibilities into her life. She often reflects on how STEM has transformed her school and her own aspirations. The new library and laboratory became symbols of hope in his life.

For Sona, her school’s new laboratory symbolizes hope for a better future.

“I believe the generosity of donors has not only impacted me, but countless other students who now have access to better educational resources and opportunities,” Sona said. “In my heart, I have a vision of the future where I place myself as a physician, serving my family and my community. I am determined to make this dream come true.

Opening minds to open source programming

Lisa, another eighth grader, lives in a rural area surrounded by cassava rice fields and mountains on the Cambodia-Thailand border. Even though some of her classmates did not continue their education beyond primary school, she rides a motorbike 20 minutes to her secondary school every day of the week because she has a thirst for knowledge.

Lisa’s thirst for knowledge has only grown through STEM hands-on learning and critical thinking training.

Lisa spent her free time reading in the elementary school library. Even though the books didn’t challenge her as much as she was capable of, it was a way to continue growing. Recently, his eyes were opened to greater possibilities through hands-on STEM learning, which included collaborative projects, technology integration, and critical thinking training, all while teaching him the gospel of Jesus -Christ. His school’s new library was a bonus for his growing young mind.

“The year 2024 was amazing for me because the STEM project was implemented in my school. I gained knowledge, including attending career guidance training which showed me a lot of work (possibilities) that I had never known about,” Lisa said.

The training gave him the confidence to chart a path for his life and even taught him about scholarships and how to get them. Lisa also began participating in two STEM-sponsored clubs: one emphasizing science and the other exploring Arduino, a field of study focused on open source software and hardware.

The STEM-sponsored Arduino Club helped Lisa realize that she wanted to become a programmer in the future.

“I love the Arduino club so much,” Lisa said. “This is new technology for me. It’s interesting! My friend and I were surprised to find that when we upload the cord to the Arduino board, the LED lights can flash automatically. It’s incredible! »

God used clubs in Lisa’s life to develop her love for technology.

“I want to become a programmer in the future,” Lisa said.

“Many thanks to Samaritan’s Purse for coming to teach me and giving me the opportunity to participate in STEM activities. Through the clubs, I can identify (by) myself the one I like the most and (this will) show me what my career can be.

Equip administrators

Chally, vice principal at Lisa’s school, also congratulated Samaritan’s Purse on this new addition to their program.

Chally, assistant principal at Lisa’s school, is grateful to Samaritan’s Purse for the STEM resources to serve its teachers and students.

“I’m so proud of 2024,” Chally said. “This was the first time my school had hosted a STEM show showcasing the students’ new enthusiasm and newfound skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which is a testament to the success of the project.”

The deputy director particularly thanked Samaritan’s Purse donors for their involvement in Cambodia’s education systems.

“I express my deep gratitude for the support received to date and highlight the continued need for assistance to further improve the school’s facilities and resources. My vision for the future includes continued support to provide students and teachers with the tools and opportunities they need.

The Samaritan’s Purse STEM project allows teachers to teach their students with innovative and interactive methods.

Please pray for the staff of Samaritan’s Purse in Cambodia as they strive to introduce youth, teachers, and administrators to the Lord Jesus Christ through STEM education. Pray that through their efforts many people will come to know the Source of science, the Creator of the universe.

SUPPORT

Give children an education Millions of boys and girls around the world never have the chance to go to school. Their countries do not offer free education and their parents cannot afford it. Samaritan’s Purse works with churches, schools and orphanages to provide learning experiences for students, teachers and administrators that will prepare young people for the workforce and help end the cycle of poverty for their families. As these children learn to read and write, they are also equipped to read the Good News of Jesus Christ in God’s Word.

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