Andong Meas High School is complemented by STEM education curricula.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics or STEM education have been integrated as key components in Cambodia’s Ministry of Education and Youth’s strategy. Innovation, sciences and technology skills have been implemented in school curricula from the cities to provinces reaching across many areas in the country. As their curriculums come in different initiatives, a grade 12 “A” of Andoung Meas district in Ratanak Kiri carry an interesting physic-based project within the class.

Than Chantheary, a 21-year-old, from grade 12 “A” has a strong passion for science in learning programs. Thary’s interest is in the combined creation of physics and chemistry objects. As he paired with his team to practice the machine experience, Thary’s optimism toward the work combined with his excitement created joy for the group.

The 12“A” graders’ machine operated by passing the hot gas from boiling water to heat the water, a process that involves chemistry and physics methods to generate a powerful force. Their project is named as the “steam engine.”

From classroom to community, STEM practices lead to positive changes. Chantheary mentioned his perspective for the future,“ I want to create a quality electric generator​​ of my design for my province.”

Chantheary also learns from media, and classes in addition to his textbooks. He said more STEM related knowledges are needed for students in his province. As he embarks on a challenging journey towards the National High School Examination, Theary wants to have more opportunities to immerse himself in research, arts, and media studies. “The benefits of STEM education help students define what they are good at,” he says.

Chantheary has a sense of leadership​ skills when working in a group with his peers. A 19-year-old Sambath Mey Mey, co-led their project for the rest of the class.

Sambath Mey Mey is great at mathematics, chemistry, and physics, her classmate calls her a genius student and a fast learner in science.

As a vice class monitor, she supports peer-to-peer learning and prepares STEM experiences as such.

A little girl with a big ambition. She’s really good at finding information online.  Her impressive academic record and confident personality demonstrate her commitment to this year’s national exam as she eagerly seeks an opportunity to secure a scholarship at a university in Phnom Penh, where she plans to enroll.

“As I believe, I can achieve these dreams in the future,” she says. A brave girl with an optimistic mindset would never give up on pursuing education more brightly. She’s an important supporter to her classmates in terms of sharing, exchanging new knowledge and creative activities to bring innovation and recycling of goods in the classroom by doing experiments using recycled objects.

At various middle schools and high schools in Ratanak Kiri Province, CARE’s education project has implemented in indigenous and marginalized communities. Closely partner with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the aim of inclusive education includes the focus on adolescent empowerment and the implementation of Sexual and Reproductive Health and STEM curriculum. Under CARE’s two-year project Building Critical Thinking in Emerging Leaders, a cohort of educators received traineeship, technical support and learning of critical thinking and decision-making.

The impact of their growth has been reflected in innovative and engaged classes, like the 12 graders of Andoung Meas high school.The young minds are interested in learning to create things, driven by curiosity. This art of learning unlocks their potential and ignites credible change for a brighter future.