Digital literacy is a fundamental necessity for education, employment, and economic opportunity. Yet in Cambodia, thousands of young people remain disconnected from the digital world, limiting their ability to compete in a rapidly evolving job market.
At REACH Siem Reap, we believe that access to technology is access to opportunity. Through our Computer Literacy Program, we’re giving students the digital skills they need to thrive. And we’re not doing it alone. Thanks to the support of Agency Stack, alongside partners like The Information Lab and United World College, we’re helping to bridge the digital divide and unlock new possibilities for Cambodia’s youth.
Our student standing in front of the computer room with the Agency Stack sign.
Understanding the Digital Divide in Cambodia
The digital divide remains a critical challenge in Cambodia. While internet access and mobile technology have grown exponentially in urban centres, rural and low-income communities are being left behind. Studies show that less than 30% of Cambodians are digitally literate, with many young people having little or no access to computers.
For many students, formal IT education is only introduced around Grade 10 (ages 15-16) — by which time, 1 in 5 students has already dropped out of school. Even where IT classes exist, they often suffer from overcrowded classrooms, outdated equipment, and unqualified teachers. This leaves many young Cambodians struggling to develop the skills needed for higher education and the modern workforce.
How Our Computer Literacy Program is Breaking Barriers
To tackle this issue, REACH Siem Reap launched its Computer Literacy Program in 2022 with the goal of equipping young Cambodians with foundational digital skills.
Thanks to Agency Stack’s support, we have been able to significantly expand this program, increasing access to digital education for more students and providing critical learning tools to the next generation.
“Seeing firsthand how eager the students at REACH were to learn was an incredibly humbling experience. The moment they got to sit in front of a computer, you could see their curiosity light up. This program isn’t just teaching digital skills—it’s opening doors for their future.”
— Stephanie Babinczky, Agency Stack
Our students learning basic typing in the computer room.
Program Growth & Impact
From humble beginnings, the Computer Literacy Program has grown into one of REACH’s most impactful initiatives. Here’s how far we’ve come:
- 2021: The program started with 75 students (ages 13-17) in one level.
- 2025: We now have 152 students (ages 8-21) learning across four levels.
The curriculum has been designed to take students from basic digital literacy to practical computer skills, such as:
- Basic typing and navigation
- Internet safety and responsible browsing
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Research skills and email communication
Our students are learning real-world applications of digital skills, ensuring they graduate better equipped for further education, vocational training, or employment.
Our student learning computer lessons.
Expanding Access to Technology
A major milestone in our digital education efforts was the addition of 40 new tablets and e-readers to our library. These new devices, generously donated by The Information Lab and United World College, are enhancing self-paced learning opportunities and helping students become more confident in using digital tools.
“It’s one thing to hear about the digital divide, but witnessing it firsthand makes you realise just how transformative a program like this can be. Seeing students engage with computers was an incredibly powerful moment. REACH is doing phenomenal work, and we’re honoured to support them in this journey.”
— Dan Copsey, CEO of Agency Stack
Our students E-learning with the tablets in the library.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Our Digital Literacy Program
As our program continues to grow, we’re looking at ways to further enhance our impact. Over the next few years, our goal is to:
- Develop an online learning platform to migrate the curriculum onto a learning management system to enable remote access and self-paced learning for students.
- Introduce advanced IT training, including coding, design software, and workplace-ready skills.
- Create an “Open Lab” on Saturdays, allowing students to access computers outside class hours for extra practice.
Thanks to a new partnership in 2025, we are now able to accelerate these goals. Over the next 12 months, a dedicated project team will allocate focused time and resources towards the implementation of an online LMS for youth in grades 7-9. The Cisco project will specifically allow us to concentrate on building a robust and effective platform, bringing our vision to fruition.
This platform will serve as a critical tool in bridging the digital literacy divide, not only within REACH, but also extending to our local partners and communities beyond our immediate scope.
It will encompass a wide array of resources, including comprehensive youth empowerment modules designed to foster personal growth, build confidence, and develop essential life skills, as well as practical and targeted career guidance. Consequently, this will provide the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the modern job market after they graduate. This includes resources on resume building, interview techniques, and information on various career pathways.
Our goal is to empower our youth to achieve their full potential through digital exposure and knowledge, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future and facilitating smoother transitions into further education, vocational training, or fair employment opportunities.
Our youth learning advanced computer skills.
A Call to Action: Bridging the Digital Divide
The success of our Computer Literacy Program would not be possible without partners like Agency Stack. Their support has already transformed the lives of hundreds of students, and as we look ahead to 2025, we are actively seeking more strategic partners to help expand our reach.
Would your organisation like to sponsor one of our other programs that is currently changing lives? Whether through financial sponsorship, in-kind donations, or collaborative projects, your support can help us empower more young Cambodians with the skills they need for a brighter future.
To learn more about how you can join us in enabling the long-term success of our programs, reach out directly to our Founder at emily@reachsiemreap.org.
