Nea Piset, 21, From Pursat Province, lost his father when he was only six years old. Raised by a single mother who struggled to provide, Piset’s early life was filled with uncertainty. “Sometimes I thought I should stop studying and just find work to help my mom,” he says.

When circumstances make the path difficult, access to education can open the door to new possibilities.

But fate took a turn when he was introduced to Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC) by one of its partner organizations, and learned about the scholarship program supported by the Skills Development Fund (SDF). “I was scared to leave home and come to the city,” he recalls. “I didn’t know anyone, and I wasn’t confident speaking or expressing myself.”

The first few weeks were difficult. The rules were strict, and life in Phnom Penh felt overwhelming. But soon, Piset realized the structure and mentorship were exactly what he needed. “The teachers always motivated us,” he says. “They didn’t just teach us lessons; they guided us in life.” PNC’s unique approach, where students live in dormitories with peer leaders and receive continuous mentorship that helped him open up and grow.

“I used to be
shy and quiet, now I can lead, share ideas, and work in a team.
I feel responsible for my own future.”

Over time, Piset became known among his classmates as someone proactive, well-mannered, and dependable. He takes every opportunity to prepare for his future from building relationships with PNC alumni to connecting with companies during career events and company visits.

He has already started exploring potential internship placements for his second year, aiming to put his growing IT knowledge into practice. With each step, he is becoming more confident and career-ready.“Without PNC and SDF, there would be no today’s Piset,” he says with emotion. “They didn’t just give me education; they gave me a chance to believe in myself.”

For more than two decades, PNC has been committed to empowering disadvantaged youth through quality digital education and holistic support. With over 1,800 alumni and an estimated 7,000 lives uplifted from poverty through the ripple effects on graduates and their families, PNC has witnessed the transformative power of education in creating lasting change. Today, 98% of PNC graduates secure employment after graduation, reflecting the quality, relevance, and industry alignment of its training programs. Behind every graduate is a story of resilience, determination, and opportunity. Through the valued support of Skills Development Fund (SDF), more disadvantaged youth have been able to access industry-relevant digital skills training, gain professional experience, and pursue meaningful careers in Cambodia’s growing ICT sector. Together, this partnership is not only transforming individual lives but also helping to build a more inclusive and skilled digital workforce for Cambodia’s future.

These heartfelt words from Thanh Nga, a PNV alumna from the Class of 2019-2022, capture the dreams that inspired her throughout her years as a student. Today, those dreams are no longer distant aspirations. Step by step, the determined young girl has built a stable career, becoming not only financially independent but also a pillar of support for her family.

Family has always been her greatest motivation

Growing up in a difficult family situation and witnessing her mother’s daily sacrifices, Nga treasured every opportunity she was given at PNV. For her, PNV became the door that opened a new future, where the dreams she once kept quietly in her heart finally had a chance to come true.

The first time Nga truly realized that her hard work had made a difference was when she sent her mother money from her very first salary – an amount far beyond what she had ever imagined earning. It was more than the reward for years of dedication and perseverance. It was the moment she knew she could finally help shoulder her mother’s burdens. From then on, her mother no longer had to work as tirelessly as before, while Nga found even greater motivation to keep striving toward the dreams she had set for her family.

After years of holding onto that dream, this year Nga fulfilled one of her biggest wishes: helping her family rebuild their home. For her, this achievement was the happiness of finally giving her mother a safe and comfortable home – a place that would protect her from heavy rains and scorching sunshine while Nga continues pursuing her career far from home.

A strong foundation to thrive wherever life takes her

Today, Nga is based in Ho Chi Minh City, working as an Associate Engineer at NAB Innovation Centre Vietnam. Every experience in a professional environment has reinforced one lesson: a willingness to keep learning and the resilience to overcome challenges are the keys to continuous growth and success. These are also the values that PNV patiently nurtured throughout her student journey.

“Everything PNV taught me became the foundation that helped me secure my internship and eventually my job. I’m truly grateful to PNV for opening a new chapter in my life and giving me the foundation to become independent and support both myself and my family.” – Nga shared.

For Nga, the greatest gift PNV provided was not limited to technical knowledge in Information Technology. It was also the confidence built through English, soft skills, and a professional mindset. From someone who once struggled to pronounce the English alphabet correctly, she has grown into a confident professional working in an international environment – continuing to advance her career while caring for the people she loves.

This is the message Nga hopes to leave with current PNV students: keep learning, keep going, and never let temporary difficulties stop you from pursuing your dreams.

And Nga’s story is just one of many inspiring journeys like this at PNV.

For more than 15 years, Passerelles Numériques Vietnam has empowered hundreds of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to build brighter futures. Every graduate and every milestone – whether big or small – is a reminder that when young people are given an opportunity and choose to persevere, they can overcome their circumstances, shape a better future for themselves, and create lasting, positive change for their families.

On April 17, Passerelles Numériques Madagascar campus in Ampandrianomby came alive with music, dancing, and laughter during the traditional mid-semester festive break. Marking the end of the first semester, this day transformed the training center into a true showcase of talent and an all-cohorts gathering.

This special event allowed the young people to take a break after several months of intensive academic work, while showcasing their artistic talents and team spirit. More than just a celebration, this gathering reflected the energy, creativity, and solidarity that drive the Passerelles Numériques Madagascar community.

Performances Brimming with Talent and Creativity

For the occasion, each student club prepared an original performance to liven up the day. The dance, music, and sports clubs presented dynamic and enthusiastic performances, captivating the audience throughout the event. Songs, choreographed routines, and various activities followed one after another in a festive and colorful atmosphere.

The French and English language clubs left a lasting impression with humorous and creative skits, showcasing the students’ language skills and stage presence. Laughter and applause followed one after another, strengthening the sense of unity among the students and the members of the Passerelles Numériques Madagascar team.

More than just a celebration, this event took on deep symbolic meaning thanks to the presence of students from previous graduating classes. They contributed to the festivities with dance performances, adding a touch of nostalgia and camaraderie to this memorable day. The current students particularly appreciated the presence of their seniors, as they were able to interact with them in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere.

A Celebration That Strengthens Bonds

Through this festive event, Passerelles Numériques Madagascar continues to promote a fulfilling student life, where academic learning is complemented by moments of sharing, self-expression, and solidarity. This celebration will undoubtedly remain a memorable experience for all participants and once again highlights the human richness that brings the Passerelles Numériques Madagascar family to life.

On 28 May 2026, Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC), in collaboration with government representatives, development partners, NGOs, private sector actors, and youth organizations, celebrated Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 under the global theme: “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.”

The event brought together approximately 150 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA), the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), UN agency, civil society organizations, companies, youth partners, students from PNC and partner institutions, and community members. The celebration aimed to raise awareness, strengthen dialogue, and promote collective action on menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) in Cambodia.

“Menstruation is natural, not shameful,”

Centered on this key message, the event sought to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation, ensuring that girls and young women can live, learn, and participate in society with dignity, confidence, and equal opportunity.

“At the Ministry, we believe menstruation should never be a source of shame or discrimination,” shared Ms. Chhan Ratha, Deputy Director, a representative from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, highlighting the national commitment under the Strategic Plan 2024–2028 (Neary Rattanak VI) to advance gender equality and empower women and girls. The representative further emphasized that despite progress, many girls particularly in rural areas still face stigma, limited access to information, and inadequate menstrual hygiene support, calling for continued collaboration among stakeholders.

As an IT training center supporting underserved youth, PNC reaffirmed that education extends beyond technical skills development. The organization remains committed to creating safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where young women are empowered not only to access education, but also to thrive throughout their academic and personal development journey.

Currently, young women represent more than half of PNC’s student population, reflecting the organization’s strong commitment to gender inclusion in the digital and technology sector. PNC continues to promote gender equality, address discrimination, and encourage more girls to pursue opportunities in STEM and IT-related careers.

Surrounded by support at PNC, she realized she was capable of much more than she had imagined.

The event was further enriched by remarks from H.E. Dr. Chhay Kim Sotheavy, Director of the School Health Department of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), which emphasized the importance of gender-responsive and inclusive education systems that enable all students to succeed. MoEYS representatives appreciated the initiative and encouraged continued efforts to strengthen health and hygiene education in schools, highlighting its direct link to students’ confidence, attendance, and learning outcomes.

Mr. Hang Hybunna, Country Director of PNC also underscored the organization’s sustained commitment to gender equality and its continued efforts to integrate menstrual health awareness into its educational and student support programs. He highlighted that while PNC students benefit from a supportive learning environment, many girls across Cambodia especially in underserved and rural areas continue to face significant challenges related to stigma, lack of information, and limited access to menstrual hygiene resources.

The celebration also featured a special message fromPNC Ambassador, Ms. Sydney Marith, Miss Planet International Cambodia, who expressed her pride in supporting the initiative and encouraged continued efforts to break the silence around menstruation and empower young women to speak openly and confidently about their experiences.

A key highlight of the event was the youth storytelling session, where students from PNC, PSE, and Enfants du Mékong shared personal experiences related to menstruation. Their testimonies reflected early challenges such as lack of information, embarrassment, and stigma, while also demonstrating how supportive environments can transform confidence and openness among young people.

Development partners and NGOs also reinforced the importance of collective action in advancing menstrual health and gender equality. They emphasized that building a #PeriodFriendlyWorld requires the engagement of all stakeholders, including government institutions, schools, families, youth, boys and men, NGOs, and communities.

The event also included awareness activities, partner exhibitions, cultural performances, and interactive discussions designed to promote open dialogue and strengthen understanding of menstrual health and hygiene.

Through this celebration, PNC and its partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a future where menstruation is no longer a barrier to education or opportunity, and where every young person is empowered to learn, lead, and thrive with dignity and confidence.

The impact of PNV’s IT Training Program goes far beyond graduation. What makes the program truly meaningful is seeing those who once received an opportunity choose to return – becoming the people who connect, support, and create new opportunities for the next generation. For Mạnh, a PNV alumnus from the 2018-2021 cohort and President of the PNV Alumni Association (PNVAA) for the 2022-2026 term, that journey has come full circle. More than a graduate of the program, he is now helping strengthen the alumni community and carrying forward the values that generations of PNV alumni have built together.

Passing forward the values that shaped us

As a student, Mạnh witnessed many alumni return to PNV – not only to share their experiences, but to encourage, mentor, and support the next generations. Having once received that same guidance himself, he knew he wanted to continue the cycle by becoming part of it.

To Mạnh, there has always been a special bond among PNV alumni. Although each person comes from a different background and follows a different path, they all share one thing in common: they were once supported, trusted, and given opportunities by PNV during one of the most uncertain periods of their lives. That shared gratitude and empathy have nurtured a spirit of “Paying it forward” – a value that continues to unite the PNV alumni community today.

Connected by a spirit of giving

Graduating from PNV also marks the beginning of a new chapter – one where every student learns to stand on their own. While PNV and the dedicated staff are there throughout their learning journey, life after graduation often brings new questions about careers and the future. Following in the footsteps of previous PNVAA Presidents, Mạnh hopes to foster a community where those with more experience can guide, mentor, and encourage those taking their first steps.

This spirit also comes to life through the many initiatives organised by the PNV Alumni Association each year. From supporting student selection, providing academic and career guidance, and offering skill development opportunities to organising Tet gift events for current students and alumni networking activities, every initiative shares the same purpose: building a community where generations of PNV students and alumni can support one another and grow together.

“The true value of PNVAA isn’t measured by the number of programs or events we’ve organised. It’s reflected in how we inspire people to support one another and create opportunities for others. That, to me, is the greatest strength of the PNV alumni community.” – Mạnh shared.

Growing a stronger Alumni Community

Looking ahead, Mạnh and the PNVAA leadership team hope to further expand and strengthen the PNV alumni network by connecting PNV graduates across industries and countries. Beyond bringing alumni together, PNVAA aims to become a trusted professional network that empowers both students and alumni through mentoring, knowledge sharing, career guidance, and career opportunities.

Just as building a strong alumni community takes time, every student’s personal journey comes with its own challenges. Yet, Mạnh believes that what matters most is maintaining a willingness to learn, staying committed to one’s goals, and embracing new opportunities with an open mind.

To all current PNV students, Mạnh leaves this message:

And Mạnh’s story is just one of many inspiring journeys like this at PNV.

For more than 15 years, Passerelles Numériques Vietnam has supported hundreds of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing education and personal growth. Through each generation and every achievement – big or small – one truth becomes clear: when given an opportunity and the courage to keep going, students gradually outgrow their own limits, becoming more confident and ready to embrace experiences they once thought were beyond reach.

After more than three years of closure due to budget constraints, Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC) has officially reopened its System & Network Administration and Cybersecurity (SNA) major. The return of this program comes at a crucial time, as Cambodia’s digital economy continues to grow and the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals rises. More than just reopening a course, this marks a renewed commitment to equipping underprivileged youth with future-ready skills and real career opportunities.

For trainer Mesa Koeun, the decision to reopen the major is both timely and necessary. He has witnessed how quickly technology is transforming workplaces across the country. “Today, almost every organization depends on digital systems,” he explains. “But behind those systems, we need people who can maintain networks and protect them from cyber threats. Without these skills, digital transformation cannot move forward safely.”

Rather than focusing only on theory, the renewed SNA program emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world application. Students start with the basics of networking and operating systems, then gradually build their knowledge toward cybersecurity, cloud services, and system administration. They learn how to set up servers, manage networks, detect potential threats, and respond to incidents all through practical exercises designed to simulate real workplace situations.

For many students, the reopening of the SNA major represents a life-changing opportunity. Amin, a 20-year-old student from Tbong Khmum province, first learned about PNC during a school outreach visit. Coming from an ethnic minority Islamic community, Amin had always been interested in IT, but discovering cybersecurity sparked a deeper motivation.

“I was amazed when I heard about cybersecurity,” he shares. “It feels like protecting something important, and I believe this field has strong job opportunities in Cambodia.” However, his decision was not without concern. Amin recalls that his mother worried about whether he would be able to find a job after graduating from this specialized major. Despite this, he remained confident. “I trust the school,” he says. “PNC has helped many students before, and I believe it will open opportunities for me too.”

Amin also believes that this sector should welcome more women. In his view, careers in cybersecurity and network administration would benefit from being more open and accessible to young women, who fully belong in this rapidly evolving field.

Another student, Sreyla, brings a different but equally inspiring perspective. At just 17 years old, she comes from Banteay Meanchey province and grew up in a challenging economic situation. Her parents had been migrant workers, and recent border tensions forced them to return home. Determined to support her family, Sreyla saw education as her path forward. “I hope that learning IT will help me support my parents and my younger siblings,” she says. Despite entering a male-dominated field, she views this as motivation rather than a barrier.

The reopening of the SNA major is more than just the return of a training program; it is a step toward building Cambodia’s next generation of digital professionals. Through practical learning, mentorship, and holistic support, students like Amin and Sreyla are gaining the skills and confidence needed to pursue meaningful careers.

As Cambodia continues its digital transformation, initiatives like this play a critical role in ensuring that no talented young person is left behind. With continued support from partners and donors, PNC can keep opening doors for underprivileged youth empowering them not only to secure employment, but also to contribute to a safer and more resilient digital future.

A Celebration of Talent and Joy

As the day continued, the campus transformed into a lively stage filled with music and movement. Students showcased their talents through dancing and singing performances, bringing energy and excitement to the celebration. Each performance reflected not only creativity and confidence, but also the vibrant spirit of youth at PNC.

These moments of expression highlighted the importance of creating spaces where students can shine beyond the classroom—building confidence, celebrating identity, and fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Moving Forward Together

Khmer New Year at PNC is more than just a celebration—it is a reflection of our values: solidarity, cultural appreciation, and community. As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we are reminded of the importance of moving forward together, supporting one another, and continuing to grow as a united community.

We wish everyone a prosperous, healthy, and joyful Khmer New Year. May this new year bring continued growth, success, and happiness to all.

 Every year, Passerelles Numériques runs two major fundraising campaigns—one in the spring and one at the end of the year—to support the education and empowerment of underserved youth in Southeast Asia and Madagascar.

This year, our Spring Campaign highlights a core strength of Passerelles Numériques: delivering one mission through programs tailored to local realities. From Cambodia to the Philippines, Vietnam to Madagascar, each of our centers adapts its training to the specific social, economic, and technological challenges faced by the youth we support, ensuring meaningful and lasting impact.

Our goal for this campaign is to raise 30,000€ to continue providing life-changing education, technical training, and career opportunities to underserved students across our four countries of operation.

However, the current global context is making this mission more challenging than ever. The international funding landscape is placing significant pressure on the social and nonprofit sector. Reductions in development funding are creating new challenges for organizations supporting vulnerable communities worldwide.

In this evolving environment, Passerelles Numériques continues to work closely with each of its local centers to strengthen and diversify funding opportunities. Despite these uncertainties, our commitment remains unchanged: to uphold the quality, impact, and integrity of our programs, ensuring that the young people we support can continue to access education, develop essential skills, and build sustainable futures.

Sign up for our newsletter here to make sure you don’t miss anything from our Spring Campaign.

Over the coming weeks, we invite you to discover how each of our programs responds to a unique reality – and how, together, they contribute to one shared mission. Next week, explore what makes the program at our first center, Passerelles Numériques Cambodia, special.

Together, we can help more youth turn their potential into opportunity.

Our goal is to raise 30 000€ by June 2.
We know we can get there with YOUR support!

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At just 17 years old, Chhitchhanut from Battambang Province has already experienced more struggle than most. Her family fell deep into debt, and constant arguments at home made it difficult for her to focus on school. “I often felt hopeless,” she recalls. “I didn’t think I could study further after high school. We had no money, and my grades were not good.”

Amid the struggles, she held onto a determination that her future could be different.

Her life began to change when she attended an information session by Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC). Learning about the scholarship program opened a small window of hope. At first, she hesitated as she afraid it might be too good to be true. But when she discovered that several students from her own school had received the same scholarship and were now working in good jobs, both she and her family felt confident that PNC could offer her a brighter future. With that assurance, she applied and determined to give herself and her family a second chance.

At PNC, Chhitchhanut found herself in a completely different learning environment. She realized that her poor high school grades did not define her potential. “Here, I could start fresh,” she says. “The teachers supported me every step of the way, not just with technical lessons but with life skills and confidence-building. They taught us how to think, communicate, and prepare for the future that is not only for a job, but for life.”

Surrounded by support at PNC, she realized she was capable of much more than she had imagined.

For her family, the scholarship meant far more than education; it meant relief. Coming from a poor household where education was once seen as a financial burden, PNC’s full support eased their worries. “Now my parents no longer have to struggle to pay for my schooling or living expenses,” she says proudly. “They can focus on my younger siblings so they can continue their studies too.” Her family is deeply proud of her achievements  as she is the first in her family to pursue higher education, as all other family members had completed only up to Grade 11.

The transformation in Chhitchhanut’s life is a testament to the collaborative investment from the Skill Development Fund (SDF), PNC, and its network of dedicated supporters. Because of this collective commitment, Chhitchhanut and many students like her can focus entirely on their professional growth rather than financial hardship.

With her sights set on becoming a full-stack developer and interning at a top tech firm next year, her outlook has completely shifted. ‘This opportunity has lifted the weight off my family’s shoulders and given me a clear path forward,’ she says. ‘Now, I can see my future clearly.’

Over the past three years at PNV, Đức Quyền – an alumnus of the 2022-2025 cohort – has left his mark with passion and wholehearted dedication, from academics to extracurricular activities. To his friends, he is cheerful and kind-hearted; to juniors, he is the caring big brother; and in the eyes of teachers, he is the persistent student who never stops striving forward. For Quyền, every step along the bridge built by PNV throughout these transformative years has become a deeply cherished part of his journey.

Believing that nothing is impossible, and growing through every opportunity.

Whether facing challenges or embracing opportunities, Quyền chose to step forward without hesitation, grounded in a firm belief in his own potential. From his dedication to learning to actively engaging in a wide range of extracurricular activities at PNV, from leading as Student Association President to stepping beyond his comfort zone and moving to a new city for study and work – each experience was embraced with intention and determination, equipping him with essential skills and laying a strong foundation for his future.

Building my own bright bridges to the future.

Yet, this journey has never been an easy one. Like many other PNV students, Quyền once faced uncertainty, moments of self-doubt, and the instability that often comes with youth. But over time, that once hesitant freshman has grown stronger and more confident. Uncertainty has gradually given way to clear direction, concrete plans, and ever-expanding aspirations.

“Once I have a relatively stable job, I will continue my studies. I don’t want to stop at a college degree – I plan to pursue a university degree to gain a deeper understanding of my field. I hope I can pass on to my siblings a sense of motivation for learning and support them in going as far as they can in their education.

In the future, I will use what I’ve learned to achieve my dream: to build my own company and turn my childhood dream of becoming a startup CEO into reality.“

Today, those goals are gradually coming to life. Six months after graduation, Quyền is now working as a Software Engineer at CBTW – the very company where he once interned during his final year. No longer an intern, he now carries greater responsibilities and faces higher expectations. Yet, he has never shied away from challenges. Instead, Quyền continues to embrace each one with confidence, maintaining a strong learning mindset and proactively developing himself every day with the support of his colleagues.

With the invaluable foundation that PNV has given him, he is confident in his journey ahead – steadily moving forward and reaching for goals that once felt far beyond his grasp.

“The Diamond Bridge”

That’s how Quyền describes his 3-year journey with PNV: a bridge built from knowledge and compassion. Strong, precious, and protective, it has equipped him not only with knowledge and skills but also with invaluable life values. And this bridge is not for Quyền alone. For over 15 years, Passerelles Numériques Vietnam has empowered hundreds of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their dreams. Each success story, each step forward taken by students, stands as the most meaningful testament to PNV’s enduring mission: transforming lives through education.