Insight to Impact: My Volunteering Journey in Cambodia with Team4Tech

Introduction

Volunteering has always been a passion of mine, and when the opportunity arose to contribute in Cambodia through Team4Tech and PEPY Empowering Youth (PEPY), I eagerly seized it. For seven years, Cadence has collaborated with Team4Tech to deliver state-of-the-art tools and technologies to underserved communities worldwide through employee volunteering programs. Team4Tech is a non-profit impact accelerator that aims to create inclusion and opportunities for learners in under-resourced communities around the world. This spring, Cadence had the pleasure of partnering with PEPY, a non-profit partner of Team4Tech, to support its mission in carrying out high-impact projects for the upliftment of the youth and students of Cambodia.

The Decision to Volunteer

Choosing to volunteer with Team4Tech was an easy decision for me as Team4Tech's mission resonated deeply with my own values. Preparing for the trip involved extensive research on Cambodia's educational needs and participating in Team4Tech's comprehensive training sessions for 7-8 consecutive weeks, where we worked closely with PEPY staff to co-create technological solutions for their youth education programs. I was both excited and anxious, ready to make a difference but unsure of what exactly to expect from our time in Cambodia.

"Chum Reap Sour" (Hello) Cambodia

Stepping off the flight in Siem Reap, Cambodia, I was immediately struck by the vibrant culture and warm smiles of the locals. As someone with a master’s degree in social work, I’ve always been passionate about using my knowledge to drive positive change, but Team4Tech took my passion to a new level. For about ten days, I experienced a transformative journey, volunteering my skills to empower education and the youth in one of the most beautiful and resilient countries in Asia.

The Experience

My initial impressions of Cambodia were a mix of awe and humility. The bustling streets of Siem Reap and the serene landscapes were unlike anything I had ever experienced. We were divided into two groups to maximize our impact. My sub-group focused on database management and creating a dashboard to help streamline data for PEPY and its core projects. The other sub-group worked on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into PEPY's existing programs.

Each day was intense yet rewarding as we collaborated closely with local educators and PEPY staff. Despite facing challenges like unreliable internet access and language barriers, we found innovative solutions, often relying on our collective creativity and the resourcefulness of the local community.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our work was conducting field visits to PEPY's projects in both urban and rural Cambodia and meeting the students in the schools of Kralanh and Chror Neang villages. Observing the direct impact of PEPY’s efforts on the students' learning experiences was incredibly fulfilling.

We also got a chance to be a part of the boot camp for one of PEPY’s projects, Youth Innovators' Space and Incubator Program (YISI). The purpose of the program is to help young people develop entrepreneurial skills and become confident job creators. During the boot camp, we got an opportunity to interact, discuss, and ideate the entrepreneurial ideas of the youth of Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Furthermore, within our group of colleagues from Cadence, we did a “Life Mapping” exercise wherein we had to present our life journey and what took us here. This turned out to be an enriching exercise as it really helped us to know each other better.

Impact and Insights

This experience profoundly impacted me. Personally, it was a humbling experience that broadened my perspective on global education challenges. I developed a deeper appreciation for the power of education and the resilience of the human spirit. Professionally, it honed my leadership skills, cross-cultural communication skills and problem-solving skills. Collaborating with fellow volunteers and local partners also taught me the value of teamwork and adaptability.

Our work also had a tangible impact on the enthusiastic staff of PEPY. After several discussions with PEPY, our sub-group came up with a thoughtful database using Microsoft Power BI, Power Query, and Advance Excel Formulas for PEPY to effectively manage data for their programs centrally. It was heartening to see the increased engagement and enthusiasm of PEPY as we discussed and implemented technological solutions, driving forward the quality of work in the underserved areas of Cambodia.

As someone with background and expertise in the social sector, I had the opportunity to discuss effective non-profit management and global fundraising strategies with Mr. Lux Mean, Executive Director of PEPY. We ended up having a few sessions on these topics which turned into a fruitful activity that I was immensely happy to contribute to.

The other sub-group transformed PEPY's classroom attendance tracking by implementing QR codes. They provided teachers with AI-powered tools for lesson planning and grading. Additionally, they incorporated AI into the student curriculum, using interactive games to improve English language skills and give students a competitive edge in future job searches and opportunities.

Cultural Exploration

In addition to our volunteering efforts, we had some time off to explore the beautiful city of Siem Reap and its environs. Highlights included a visit to the majestic Angkor Wat and a fascinating floating village on the shores of Tonle Sap Lake, seeing the world-famous “Phare Circus,” and experiencing rural life of Cambodia, including palm jaggery production. These moments of cultural immersion added depth to our experience.

Conclusion

Volunteering in Cambodia with Team4Tech and PEPY has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It taught me the true value of giving back and the difference we can make when we use our skills for good. I encourage anyone reading this to consider how they can contribute to global education initiatives, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can create a world where everyone has access to quality education and opportunities. A big thank you to Team4Tech and Cadence for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!