KUALA LUMPUR: More than 2800 children in the local Cambodian community were treated to an educational experience through the “Samsung Love and Care” voluntary programme held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia last Monday.
Running for its second year, the company’s annual regional employee volunteer programme brought together 56 Samsung employees from 11 countries across the region.
The three day programme harnesses technology and other resources to address pressing educational gaps and social issues in Phnom Penh.
“At Samsung, we are always committed to go beyond business achievements and to contribute back to the communities.
“Following last year’s success and earnest positive feedback from volunteers, we are excited to be in Cambodia this year for this meaningful initiative,” said Samsung Southeast Asia and Oceania, Corporate marketing vice president, Irene Ng.
“We believe that technology can go a long way in empowering youths. By addressing the local needs and focusing on the children’s wellbeing, we want to make a positive difference. For our employees, this is our chance to give our best to the community in Cambodia," she said.
Together with non-governmental organisations Pour Un Sourire D’enfant (PSE) and People Improvement Organisation (PIO), Samsung’s volunteers organised educational and interactive activities for the Cambodian children, building ties and bringing joy to the community.
The volunteers bonded with the children over interactive learning games and taught them numerical and literacy skills using Samsung tablets and mobile learning apps.
Volunteers also helped with simple refurbishments for the schools, such as giving a fresh coat of paint for the classroom walls and tables, tree planting – where the children were taught how to care for the environment.
“The use of technology is certainly pivotal in addressing the challenges that we usually face in providing education to the kids, and it magnifies the positive impact that we have made,” said Interim General Director Board Member of PSE, Elisabeth Bardon-Debats,
PIO chief executive officer, Phymean Noun said the Cambodian children enjoyed themselves as they interacted well with the volunteers.
“This is a rare chance as they hardly get to meet people from other countries, and learn from other cultures. We hope to work with Samsung in the long run, to continue providing for the children,” she said.