Cambodia | Digital Literacy Education | December 4, 2025

Over 150 students and teachers gathered at Cambodia’s National Technical Training Institute (NTTI) for the “Code Club Showcase & Coding Challenge Day,” demonstrating the transformative power of digital education and the remarkable potential of Cambodia’s next generation of innovators.

The Dariu Foundation proudly supported this celebration through our Digital Literacy Initiative (DLI), implemented by partner Swisscontact in collaboration with Tech for Kids Academy. His Excellency Dr Hing Sideth, Royal Government Delegate in Charge of the General Directorate of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DGTVET), presided over the event alongside representatives from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.

Expanding Our Impact Across Southeast Asia

This showcase reflects The Dariu Foundation’s growing presence in Cambodia, building on our established programs in Vietnam. The two-year DLI project (2024–2025) has reached more than 4,000 students and established eight Code Clubs across Siem Reap and Battambang, demonstrating our commitment to empowering youth throughout the region. Students have transformed from passive technology consumers into active digital creators equipped to solve real-world problems.

“The Digital Literacy Initiative has played a significant role in transforming the potential of Cambodian youth into strong human capital and active contributors to society.”
— H.E. Dr. Hing Sideth, Director General of DGTVET

Innovation in Action

Building Southeast Asia’s Digital Future

At The Dariu Foundation, we believe that equipping young people with digital literacy is an essential investment in the region’s prosperity within the global digital economy. Our success in Cambodia, alongside our programs in Vietnam, demonstrates what’s possible when government, civil society, and the private sector unite behind a shared vision for youth empowerment.

In a resounding celebration of innovation and collaboration, The Dariu Foundation, in partnership with the Vĩnh Long Department of Education and Training, orchestrated the 2025 Digital Technology Festival (TDF Annual Tech Camp) on November 28th and 29th. Under the evocative theme “Exploring the Future – Innovating with AI and Robotics,” this landmark event brought together over 300 students, educators, and leaders, marking a pivotal moment in our mission to universalize digital skills for Vietnamese youth.

A Testament to International Cooperation

The festival was graced by the presence of Mr. Thomas Gass, Ambassador of Switzerland to Vietnam, whose participation underscored the robust international partnership driving digital literacy across the region. Joining him were leadership representatives from The Dariu Foundation in Switzerland, senior officials from the Departments of Education and Training of Vĩnh Long, Quảng Trị, and Đà Nẵng, as well as leaders from the Union of Friendship Organizations of Vĩnh Long and Cần Thơ, and the Department of Foreign Affairs of Quảng Trị.

This distinguished gathering illuminated the power of cross-border collaboration in shaping the technological landscape for Vietnam’s next generation. As Mrs. La Thi Thuy, Director of Vĩnh Long DOET, eloquently emphasized, technology education—particularly in AI and Robotics—serves as a crucial foundation for equipping young people to thrive in the 4.0 era.

An Ecosystem of Innovation and Discovery

The festival transformed into a vibrant nexus where knowledge, technology, and creativity converged. Students from multiple provinces immersed themselves in a rich tapestry of activities designed to challenge, inspire, and expand their technological horizons.

The Robotics Innovation Playground provided a competitive stage where young engineers demonstrated their technical prowess and creative problem-solving. Meanwhile, the AI Hackathon 2025 Finals showcased 11 outstanding projects, each addressing genuine real-world challenges through innovative AI applications—a testament to the practical, solution-oriented approach that defines our educational philosophy.

Exhibition spaces brimmed with standout projects from Dariu Tech Clubs across the region, alongside digital creative art products that blurred the lines between technology and artistic expression. Interactive Technology Experience Stations, powered by our esteemed partners including ABB Robotics, UEH University (UEH SMD/UEH Mekong), HCMC University of Technology and Education, Can Tho University, and MakersLab, offered hands-on exploration that brought abstract concepts to tangible life.

A highlight for many attendees was the Expert Talk on “The Future of Technology and Career Skills,” featuring insights from industry leaders at Google, ABB, and VinUni University. These sessions bridged the gap between classroom learning and professional reality, offering students invaluable perspectives on the evolving technological landscape and the competencies that will define tomorrow’s workforce.

Celebrating Excellence and Innovation

The festival culminated in the recognition of exceptional talent and dedication. In the AI Hackathon, Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted (Quang Tri) claimed first prize with their groundbreaking project “Echomind,” demonstrating sophisticated understanding of AI applications. The Robotics competition saw Dong Ha High School (Quang Tri) emerge victorious, their technical skill and innovative design setting a new benchmark for excellence.

Beyond individual awards, we celebrated outstanding Tech Clubs from Quang Tri, Da Nang, and Vinh Long, whose consistent dedication to technological exploration embodies the spirit of our mission.

Building Foundations for Tomorrow

As the festival drew to a close, the energy and enthusiasm radiating from participants painted a vivid picture of Vietnam’s technological future. These young innovators are not merely learning to use technology—they are discovering how to shape it, direct it, and harness it to solve the challenges facing their communities and nation.

The Dariu Foundation extends profound gratitude to all delegates, partners, and participants whose collaboration made this event possible. The presence of our academic partners—UEH University/UEH Mekong, HCMC University of Technology and Education, Can Tho University, and Van Lang University—alongside corporate leaders like ABB Vietnam, demonstrates the essential ecosystem approach required to nurture true digital competence.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding the Dariu Tech Clubs model and promoting STEM/STEAM education across Vietnam. The 2025 Digital Technology Festival was not simply an event—it was a declaration of possibility, a demonstration of potential, and a stepping stone towards a future where every Vietnamese student, regardless of geography or circumstance, has the opportunity to become a digital creator, innovator, and leader.

The journey continues, and the future has never looked brighter.

The Dariu Foundation (TDF) invites qualified evaluators to submit proposals for the final evaluation of our flagship digital education project in Vietnam. This three-year initiative (2023-2025), funded by Bread for the World, aims to enhance digital literacy and bridge the digital divide among school students in underserved regions of Vietnam.

About the Evaluation:

The evaluation will assess the project’s performance using OECD/DAC criteria, focusing on relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. The selected evaluator(s) will employ a mixed-methods approach to provide comprehensive insights into the project’s achievements and learnings.

Key Deliverables:

• Inception Report (March 2025)
• Preliminary Report (May 2025)
• Draft Evaluation Report (November 2025)
• Final Evaluation Report (December 2025)

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in education, international development, or related social sciences
• Proven expertise in digital education and pedagogic methodologies
• Demonstrated experience in development project evaluations
• Strong knowledge of OECD/DAC evaluation criteria
• Excellence in qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Fluent in English and Vietnamese
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents by March 20, 2025:

1. Technical proposal with detailed methodology and work plan
2. Financial proposal
3. CV(s) of evaluator(s)
4. Sample of relevant evaluation reports

Submit your application to:

Mrs. Lan Anh – Project Manager
Email: prt.ho03@dariu.vn

Selection will be based on relevant experience, methodology quality, and proposed budget. For detailed information, please download the complete Terms of Reference
bit.ly/TDF25_ToR_DLI.

Join us in assessing this important initiative to bridge the digital divide in education!

In a landmark initiative this August, The Dariu Foundation (TDF) unveiled two state-of-the-art makerspaces in Vietnam’s Vinh Long Province, marking a significant stride in our commitment to democratize access to cutting-edge technology and digital literacy for rural students.

These innovative hubs, equipped with an array of advanced tools including 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, stand as beacons of creativity and innovation. They offer local students an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of digital fabrication and technological exploration.

Educators and students alike have embraced these new facilities with enthusiasm, recognizing their potential to transform learning experiences. Within these dynamic environments, students are already diving into the realms of coding, 3D modeling, and robotics, tackling real-world challenges with newfound technological prowess.

However, the impact of these makerspaces extends far beyond the realm of technology. They serve as crucibles for cultivating essential 21st-century skills. By nurturing creativity, honing critical thinking, and developing problem-solving abilities, TDF’s initiative is laying the groundwork for a future where the youth of Vinh Long Province are not just consumers of technology, but innovative creators and problem solvers.

As we witness the palpable excitement and engagement among students, it becomes clear that these makerspaces are more than just facilities—they are gateways to opportunity, catalysts for change, and stepping stones towards a brighter, more technologically empowered future for rural Vietnam.

Digital Summer Bootcamp ignites creativity and innovation in Mekong Delta

In July 2024, nearly 100 talented young people participated in a dynamic two-week Digital Summer Bootcamp in Can Tho, Vietnam, where they were part of an exciting transformation. Selected from a competitive pool of 500 applicants, these students embarked on a journey of creativity and innovation. The program was jointly organized by the ICT School of Can Tho University (CICT), its Youth Union and The Dariu Foundation, with the aim of cultivating the next generation of tech innovators.

Throughout the bootcamp, students engaged in hands-on learning experiences and worked in teams of 5-6 to bring their creative ideas to life. Guided by experienced university student mentors, participants explored design thinking workshops, mastered 3D modeling with Sketch-up, and prototyped their concepts using a mix of digital equipment and recycled materials.

The bootcamp culminated in a lively showcase where the top 10 projects were presented to a panel of judges. Among the standout innovations were a beach cleaning machine, a mobile firefighting robot, and a pet grooming and cleaning device, all of which highlighted the exceptional talent and ingenuity of the young participants. These projects demonstrated the potential of technology to address societal challenges and contribute to a better future.

Beyond technical skills, the bootcamp fostered essential 21st century skills such as teamwork, problem solving, and critical thinking. By equipping young people with the tools and knowledge to innovate, the program empowered them to contribute to a more sustainable and technologically advanced society.

A lot has happened in 2023; we trained around 500,000 students in digital literacy, entered into two new long-term partnerships with Swisscontact and Bread for the World, expanded our Code Club activities and launched our latest project, the MAKERSPACES. 

We also signed two long-term partnerships with Bread for the World, a global development and relief organisation based in Germany, and Swisscontact, a leading Swiss organisation, that implements skills development projects in developing and emerging countries.

You can read about all this and more in our newly published Annual Report online.

The Digital Literacy Initiative project was officially launched early April at the Crowne Plaza Vientiane, marking the beginning of its implementation in Laos. The event featured a panel discussion titled “Current Situation of Future Outlook of ICT in the Education Sector in Laos,” which emphasized the project’s goals and importance to the country’s digital landscape.

The project is funded by the Dariu Foundation and Bread for the World and implemented in partnership with Swisscontact and the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports.

Its primary goal is to equip young people with essential digital skills for the emerging digital economy. This will be achieved through basic coding and programming classes, coding clubs, and digital entrepreneurship courses in high schools and technical and vocational colleges.

We are delighted to announce that our planned expansion is now well underway. On 18 January, the Dariu Foundation, in partnership with Swisscontact and in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, launched the Digital Literacy Initiative programme in Phnom Penh. The event was attended by H.E. Dr Oum Romny, Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Daniel Keller, Vice President of the Dariu Foundation, Markus Bürli, Director of Cooperation of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in Cambodia, and Philippe Schneuwly, CEO of Swisscontact. The two-year programme (2024-2025) aims to improve the education of young people preparing to enter the labour market within 1-2 years. Students from high schools and technical and vocational schools in Siem Reap and Battambang provinces will benefit from this programme, which will empower underprivileged youth to participate in the digital economy.

In early December 2023, The Dariu Foundation organized the annual Impossible Bootcamp 2023 in collaboration with its local partners in Vinh Long province. The event attracted over 250 participants from 10 different provinces.

It was organized around three different activities, including a robotics competition and a drone competition for high school students and an Impossible 2023 pitching competition for high school and university students.

Over 50 teams took part in the robotics and drone competitions, from which two outstanding teams were ultimately selected. Beyond the competition aspect, participants took part in a series of training sessions that equipped them with the skills to design, construct and program robots and drones for the joint competition.

13 outstanding projects took part in the Demoday & Pitching Contest. These teams underwent a rigorous two-month training and a subsequent two-month incubation and mentoring phase before earning their place in the final round. There are two selected projects: “Smart Device to Support Rice Farming”, developed by students from Vo Thi Sau Secondary School in Hau Giang, and “EduBin – Automatic Trash Scan (Recognition and Classification Solution)”, developed by students from the University of Technology and the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the last quarter of 2023, The Dariu Foundation and EPAM kicked off the partnership to provide new laptops enabling children to access digital/coding training in the Mekong Delta in terms of the EPAM e-Kid program.

With a joint effort by TDF and local partners, 60,000 students in Hau Giang province will be trained in each school year, of which around 240 – 400 students will benefit directly from EPAM’s grant this school year.

The grant will provide free-of-charge rental of laptops and enable access to basic computing/coding skills for children. In addition, under the eKid program, EPAM also commits to supporting the knowledge transfer, including volunteering and the provision of teaching materials by EPAM.

• Volunteering missions: EPAM supports and assists the partners in the deployment of employees. TDF will propose tasks for the volunteers to contribute to these programs, according to the conditions set by EPAM.

• Share of teaching materials: EPAM is willing to provide other teaching aids to support TDF in digital literacy.

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About EPAM eKids program

The EPAM eKids program was launched successfully at EPAM offices in 2015. The program’s goal is to boost interest in programming and expand learning opportunities for young children.

Based on the MIT Scratch Program, EPAM eKids, encourages children to engage with coding through hands-on challenges and close mentorship opportunities.

We act for good in the communities where we live and work by empowering students through the power of knowledge. Our commitment to supporting initiatives that serve underrepresented communities ensures we can help to provide learning opportunities for all. We use holistic education programs to share our highly skilled technical knowledge for the future. Just as we relentlessly pursue the best solution for our customers, our employees strive to make a difference in the lives of our students – the future tech leaders – by providing education, skills training and career experiences across our global locations.