InPhoto: Sreyleak Ly, IPS Chief Finance Officer, Jennie Bocog, IPS Marketing Director, Adjani Navalta, TeacherTech Co-Founder
Phnom Penh, Cambodia | In a heartwarming effort to bridge the digital divide, IPS has donated its old tech—laptop and desktop computers—to TeacherTech Computers 4 Kidz Project, an organization dedicated to providing IT lessons to Khmer children. This act not only equips underprivileged children with essential technology but also aligns with sustainable practices by reducing electronic waste.
David Anthony, the founder of TeacherTech, shared the inspiring journey behind this initiative. The original vision was to offer affordable IT support to those in the education sector. However, the global pandemic led TeacherTech to evolve into a more community-centric project: TeacherTech 4 Kidz Project in Tuol Sambour. Here, they began offering English classes, digital literacy sessions, cooking lessons, and life skills training to approximately 35 local children.
“We saw the opportunity to support the community further,” David says, highlighting their transition to Phnom Penh. “Outside of the greater Phnom Penh area, up to 94% of households with school-aged children do not have access to a computer in the home,” he adds.
The collaboration with his partner Adjani fortified their mission, while the TeacherTech Computers 4 Kidz Project remains a community-driven initiative, operating on limited resources.
The Core Vision: Bridging Gaps and Creating Opportunities
The core vision behind TeacherTech is both profound and practical. According to David, the goal is to “reduce the gap in employment opportunities for young Khmer adults” by offering digital literacy training, IT repair skills, and fostering a culture of computer ownership within households. This vision translates into real-world skills that greatly enhance the employment potential of these young individuals.
Making a Tangible Impact
TeacherTech has managed to touch the lives of many children. Their English classes have accommodated as many as 50 students, and their hands-on course on assembling desktop PCs is expanding to include 30 students per session. Importantly, the program is structured to be financially inclusive, requiring no monetary contribution from the students or their families.
The impact of donations from organizations like IPS Cambodia has been pivotal. “Donating your old desktop, laptop, tablet PC, or any other electrical device to TeacherTech offers dual benefits,” David explains. “These donations help reduce the 7 tons of harmful electronic waste that end up in Cambodian landfills annually, while providing essential technology to those in need.”
Ongoing Needs and Future Aspirations
As with any charitable initiative, TeacherTech faces challenges, particularly in securing financial support. Despite being self-funded, the program still manages an impressive logistical operation—from sourcing parts and delivering computers to providing translation services and meals for students.
TeacherTech’s gratitude extends to supporters like Box Office, who generously provide Sunday lunches for the students during their main class break. However, the organization continuously seeks additional resources to sustain and expand its mission.
A Call to Action for Companies
David leaves a compelling message for other companies considering supporting TeacherTech:
“Donating your old laptop may have a much greater impact than you realize. For a child trapped in poverty, it could be akin to receiving Willy Wonka’s golden ticket.”
Indeed, the donation of an old laptop has the potential to create monumental shifts in a young person’s future. By learning digital skills, underprivileged children gain a crucial tool for education and employment, opening doors to opportunities that would otherwise remain closed.
The collaboration between IPS Cambodia and TeacherTech serves as a powerful reminder of the difference that technology and compassion can make in underprivileged communities. With continued support, TeacherTech aims to expand its reach, nurturing the next generation of digitally literate Khmer children.
You may visit the TeacherTech Facebook Page for more information on how you can support David and Adjani in their cause.
As David Anthony aptly put it, “The one who plants trees, under whose shade they know they will never sit, has at least begun to understand life.”
Together, let’s plant those trees and make a lasting impact on the lives of Khmer children.
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