One Year Down, One Year to Go: Generation 2026’s Journey Towards a Future in Tech

As our students approach the completion of their first year at Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC), their journeys reflect more than the technical knowledge and skills they have gained. Through access to quality IT education, guidance from their teachers, and support from their peers, they have grown in confidence, strengthened their resilience, and begun to envision new possibilities for their futures. Behind every achievement is a personal story of challenges, perseverance, and transformation. Here, we share the stories of four students and how their experiences at PNC have shaped their learning, personal growth, and aspirations.

At 19, Prina is building a future through technology, determination, and the courage to keep learning. Originally from Tboung Khmum Province, Cambodia, she is a first-year IT student at Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC). After losing her mother, Prina grew up in a family of four with her father, a farmer who works hard to support his children. Access to quality education and opportunities to develop professional skills is an important step towards a brighter future for young people like her.

Over the past eight months at PNC, Prina has discovered new possibilities through IT education. She has learned HTML, CSS, Python, algorithms, and UX/UI design skills she had little knowledge of before joining the programme. Today, she can write simple code and build a basic website, taking her first steps towards a future in technology.

Yet, her most meaningful transformation goes beyond technical skills. Prina has grown in confidence, become more responsible, and learned to seek help when facing difficulties.

With encouragement from her teachers and friends, Prina is learning that challenges do not have to define her future. She is developing the confidence to speak up, ask questions, and persevere, qualities that will serve her well both in her studies and in her future career.

Looking ahead, Prina is determined to improve her English and communication skills, deepen her understanding of coding, and manage her time more effectively. Her journey is still unfolding, but the progress she has made in just eight months reflects what becomes possible when young people are given access to education, guidance, and opportunities to grow.

“Now I am more confident and responsible. I can speak more in front of my classmates. When I do not understand something, I can ask my teacher or friends for help. I also try not to give up when I have a problem.”

Prina – PNC26

Story of Change 2: A Young Indigenous Woman’s Journey Towards a Brighter Future

From Ta Ang Kate Village in Ratanakiri Province, Sa Em, 19, a young woman from Cambodia’s Kreung Indigenous community, is pursuing opportunities through IT education. With both parents working as farmers, Sromem’s journey reflects the aspirations of young people from rural and Indigenous communities who are determined to expand their opportunities through learning.

As a Web Programming student at Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC), Sa Em has spent the past nine months developing technical skills in HTML, CSS, Python, algorithms, and UX/UI design. The learning journey has brought challenges, but each difficulty has become an opportunity to practise, learn from mistakes, and grow.

For Sa Em, progress begins with the determination to believe in herself and keep moving forward, even when learning is difficult.

Along the way, the encouragement of family, guidance from teachers, and support from classmates have helped Sromem continue pursuing her goals. Looking ahead, she hopes to improve her English, particularly her speaking and communication skills, while strengthening her technical knowledge and preparing for a future career. Sa Em’s story is a reminder that talent and ambition exist in every community, including those far from Cambodia’s urban centres. When young Indigenous women have access to quality education and the support they need, they gain more opportunities to shape their own futures.

“First, I want to thank myself for trying my best and continuing to learn, even when things are difficult. I try to solve problems, learn from my mistakes, and encourage myself not to give up.”

Sa Em – PNC26

Story of Change 3: One Step at a Time: Yasmin’s Journey of Discovery

At 20, Yasmin is discovering that learning is not just about gaining new knowledge; it is also about finding the courage to try, make mistakes, and grow. Coming from Tboung Khmum Province, Yasmin grew up in a farming family, with his parents working in the rice fields to support their family. As a student at Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC), he has spent the past eight months developing new skills and discovering strengths he did not always recognize in himself.

Through his IT studies, Yasmin has learned Python, algorithms, web design, and UX/UI design. He has also strengthened his English and developed important life skills, including time management and personal responsibility. Yet, one of his most meaningful changes has been learning to face challenges with greater confidence.

Before, I was sometimes afraid to make mistakes or ask questions. Now, I feel more comfortable asking for help and trying new things.

Yasmin – PNC26

Learning has not always been easy, particularly when tackling technical subjects that require patience and practice. But rather than allowing difficulties to discourage him, Yasmin has begun to see mistakes as valuable opportunities to learn. This shift in mindset has helped him become more confident, curious, and willing to take on new challenges.

Reflecting on his journey, he shares: “I started with less confidence and less knowledge, and now I feel stronger, more curious, and more ready for new challenges. This journey was not always easy, but every mistake and every difficulty taught me something valuable.” Looking ahead, Yasmin hopes to improve his English communication, strengthen his technical abilities, and build his own projects as he prepares for his future career. His story shows that the impact of education extends beyond the classroom. It is also about creating an environment where young people feel supported enough to ask questions, learn from setbacks, and believe in their ability to succeed.

Story of Change 4: From New Skills to New Opportunities: Soyan’s Path to Employment

At 18, Soyan is taking important steps towards a future career and the opportunity to build a better life for his family. Coming from Oddar Meanchey Province, Soyan grew up in a farming family, where both parents work hard to support their children. Through his studies at Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC), he is gaining the technical knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to prepare for the world of work.

Over the past eight months, Soyan has learned basic computer skills, UX/UI design, web design, and algorithms. Beyond technical training, he has also developed communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that are essential for working effectively with others in a professional environment. One of the most significant changes has been his growing confidence in communicating with others, a skill that will help him navigate future workplace challenges and opportunities. Reflecting on his progress, Soyan shares:

Before, I was shy and did not talk much with other people. I was not confident when speaking to people I did not know. After studying at PNC, I learned communication skills. Now, I feel more confident when talking to new people

Soyan – PNC26

Soyan has also improved his English, learned to conduct independent research, and discovered different ways to approach problems. With guidance from his teachers and support from classmates, he is becoming a more independent learner and developing the mindset needed to continue learning and adapting in a changing IT sector. Looking ahead, Soyan hopes to strengthen his English and technical skills to prepare for employment after graduation. His ambition extends beyond securing a job: he wants to become a capable employee, build a successful career, and help his family have a better life.

Soyan’s journey demonstrates how quality IT education can help young people develop the skills and confidence needed to transition from education to employment.

These stories demonstrate the transformative power of education and what becomes possible when young people are given the opportunity and support to reach their potential. While each student’s journey is unique, their progress reflects a shared determination to overcome challenges, develop new skills, and build a better future. PNC extends its sincere gratitude to all our valued donors and partners for their commitment to expanding access to quality technical and vocational education in Cambodia. Your support goes beyond providing training opportunities; it empowers young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to build confidence, pursue their aspirations, and take meaningful steps towards a brighter and more independent future.