“I love technology and I was so excited when I saw the robot at the [science, technology, engineering and maths] STEM Fair! I hoped at once that I would have a chance to learn this kind of technology. My dream came true when Samaritan’s Purse provided robotics classes in my school.”
Sean Sok Sanita is a 14-year-old student who studies in Grade 8 at Bos Bov Secondary School and has an enthusiastic passion for technology.
Pursuing interests in technology was not an option in rural Cambodia, until Samaritan’s Purse implemented its We Can Read and Write project, which included facilitating STEM education in secondary schools. Bos Bov Secondary School was one of the first schools to pilot the STEM classes.
“I am very excited to study here [at Bos Bov Secondary School],” said Sean Sok Sanita. “Even though the school is located in a rural area, our school implements STEM education where I can learn about what I love – technology!”
STEM education is new for high schools in Cambodia.Our teams are training teachers and providing the equipment need to run practical, hands-on STEM classes so students can make the most of their lessons. We are also conducting STEM-related job orientation to help students identify their interests and skills to target their learning towards their careers.
On top of reducing the secondary school dropout rate, STEM education is driving interest and motivation among students to learn and grow. Samaritan’s Purse also gives students an opportunity to showcase their efforts at the STEM fair where their projects are on display to a wide audience.
After building a robot in her robotics class, Sean Sok Sanita presented her robot at the first STEM fair in the Banteay Meanchey Province. She was very happy to show her parents and others from her village what she accomplished.
“This year, I will continue to participate in the robotics club, and I hope that I can compete in the national robotics competition,” she said. “I want my parents to be proud of me and I want to show others that girls can work on technology too! Thanks Samaritan’s Purse for coming into my school and giving me the chance I never thought I could have. I will try my best and I hope to become an expert in the technology sector.”
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