Skills in Foreign Languages and Computer literacy are increasingly demanded by employers in a number of industries in Cambodia. Literacy in these skills can provide one of the best routes for the disadvantaged to escape hopeless menial labor. The high cost of university and private lessons is beyond the income of the majority of Phnom Penh’s students and therefore unattainable. CVCD launched this Foreign Languages and Computer literacy program in1992 to provide opportunity to those wanting to learn these skills but unable to afford to do so. Since the establishment of the project, CVCD has seen over two thousand students successfully gain employment after graduation.

English Project Activities

This program is based at the English and Computer training centre in Phnom Penh. Students attend class for an hour each day, five days a week. Levels ranging from beginner (level 1) to advance literacy are studied with additional courses in conversation, newspaper discussion and culture opened during 2004. The project uses textbooks such as Essential English, New Headway, New Interchange, and New Streamline. Fifty Percent (50%) of students contribute $3 per month for their course of study.

During 2003, 256 students studied at the English centre and were successful in graduating from their course. They gained employment in Local and International NGOs, companies, and garment factories. Of those students that graduated a high percentage were women aged between 15 to 24 years of age. In 2004, the number of students enrolled in the program increased to 350. Word of mouth, a rise in the demand for this skill and the introduction of foreign teachers into the course were key factors that influenced this rise in enrollments.

In 2003, the Volunteers for English program was launched in Phnom Penh. The aim of the program was to improve CVCD’s students conversation skills in English. The program seeks short and long term foreigners to assist in teaching classes alongside our national staff. The program has been a huge success with over 70 foreigners involved to date. The students have found it enjoyable and beneficial to study about different cultures and hear and understand different accents.

In 2004, an English school was established in the squatter community of Rotest Phloeung Bey. Members of this community are extremely poor and unable to afford the traveling costs required to study at the centre (approx 50c per day). Due to the high demand CVCD opened a centre offering a beginner and intermediate class. The response has been overwhelming with a third class opened to cater for all the students.

Computer Project Activities

The computer lab is located at the English and computer training centre in Phnom Penh. Classes operate from 7am— 7pm, Monday through to Friday. The programs on offer include:

In 2003, 144 students graduated from the course. 75 graduates gained employment in hotels, NGO’s, schools, private businesses and universities. In 2004, a total of 119 students graduated from the course.

CVCD works closely with a partner organization Digital Divide Data who provide employment for disabled students in computer based data entry. Through studying a computer course at CVCD, students acquired basic skill training required for the job. During 2003/04 all disabled students in our program gained employment which enables to earn $80 a month.

During 2003, CVCD was fortunate enough to receive a donation of computers and equipment from Clearpath International USA and partners.