"[...] I would like to emphasise that training serves as a foundation that opens the door for teachers to gain exposure to new technological and digital knowledge. However, developing these technological skills requires teachers to continuously engage in self-learning and regular practice, as technology evolves rapidly. Only through consistent efforts to learn independently can we develop our capabilities in a timely manner and continue moving forward." — H.E. Sam Kakada
Building a digital economy begins with developing human capital, and developing human capital begins with teachers. For Cambodia, advancing digital education in schools is not simply about equipping schools with computers. It is about ensuring that students can use technology responsibly and safely, think critically, and develop solutions independently.
In this direction, the Digital Foundations Program was established under the initiative of the Royal Government of Cambodia and led by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPTC), in close collaboration with the Secretariat of the National Committee for Promoting the Implementation of Key Measures in Education, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), and Tech for Kids Academy (TKA). The program primarily focuses on equipping students in Grades 4 to 6 at targeted primary schools with foundational digital skills.
According to the consolidated report for the 2025–2026 academic year, the program has expanded from 42 target primary schools in its first phase to 60 target schools across 19 provinces and the capital, with a total of 62 digital classrooms. Student enrolment has reached 17,988, representing an increase of approximately 54% compared to the first phase of the program. Of this number, 8,796 are female students, accounting for approximately 49%. Currently, the program has a total of 62 digital teachers delivering lessons directly at target schools.
To support this expansion, the Digital Foundations Program Teacher Preparation Training was conducted from 19 to 21 October 2026 at the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT). The training brought together 35 teachers (15 female) from 32 target schools across 19 provinces and the capital. The closing ceremony was presided over by H.E. Sam Kakada, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.
In his key remarks during the closing ceremony, H.E. Sam Kakada shared the following valuable message with the participants:
"I would like teachers to understand that this is only the beginning of building foundational knowledge in computer technology and digital skills. Furthermore, I would like to emphasise that training serves as a foundation that opens the door for teachers to gain exposure to new technological and digital knowledge. However, developing these technological skills requires teachers to continuously engage in self-learning and regular practice, as technology evolves rapidly. Only through consistent efforts to learn independently can we develop our capabilities in a timely manner and continue moving forward."
As a technical support partner, TKA developed training content that connects pedagogical principles with practical classroom applications. Key topics included classroom management and child safeguarding, outcome-based lesson planning through Backward Planning, developing assessment questions using Bloom’s Taxonomy, teaching coding through Code.org and Scratch, using Kahoot!, Quizizz, and Canva, as well as computer laboratory maintenance standards.
The main objective was to help teachers transform lessons from primarily theoretical explanations into more engaging, hands-on learning experiences, while enabling them to assess and measure students' learning progress more effectively.
To ensure sustainability, throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, the program team organised 36 online teacher capacity-building sessions, 9 monthly workshops, and 3 coordination meetings. Topics covered coding, digital education, online safety, Artificial Intelligence (AI), pedagogical skills, and teaching methodologies. These ongoing activities demonstrate the program's continued commitment to supporting teachers and strengthening their professional capabilities.
During the 2025–2026 academic year, a total of 23 student teams from the Digital Foundations Program took part in competitions and showcased their work through various initiatives, including Technovation Girls x Future Digital Talents 2026, Virtual Global Game Jam 2025, and final project showcases using Code.org and Scratch at RISE Week 2026.
As a proud achievement, one student team received a national-level award in the primary school category of Technovation Girls x Future Digital Talents 2026, while another student team received a national-level award in Virtual Global Game Jam 2025. Both teams were from Kesararam Primary School in Siem Reap Province.
As part of preparations for the 2026–2027 academic year, the program team continued its efforts through an online orientation meeting on 23 October 2026. The meeting focused on reviewing the previous year's results, providing teaching guidance, and introducing Veyon Master, a software application that enables teachers to remotely manage students' computers in digital classrooms.
Moving forward, the Digital Foundations Program team will focus on providing additional support to teachers at target schools facing challenges, improving lessons based on assessment data, ensuring inclusive learning opportunities for all children, and integrating foundational Artificial Intelligence (AI) knowledge appropriate for primary school students.
TKA is honoured to contribute to this initiative under the leadership of the Royal Government of Cambodia through MPTC. We also remain open to collaborations with schools, development organisations, technology companies, and partners in Cambodia and across the ASEAN region in areas such as teacher training, learning resource development, and digital education initiatives to support Cambodia's future development.
For collaboration opportunities, please contact us through:
📞Phone: 098 338 849
📲Telegram: https://t.me/TechforKidsAcademy
Agefrom 6 years to 16 years
