Did you know that a child goes online for the first time every half second?
In today’s rapidly evolving world, digital literacy is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Yet, for many kids, particularly those living in remote communities or who might be the first ones in their family to be coming online, access to technology and the knowledge to navigate it safely remains a significant challenge.
With internet connectivity comes unprecedented opportunities for children to communicate, learn, socialise and play. But with these opportunities come serious risks. This is why educating children about online risks can be a game-changer.
ChildFund’s Swipe Safe program, our fun and easy face-to-face training program and app, supports children to navigate the online world with kindness, respect and safety. First launched in Vietnam in 2017, Swipe Safe has since reached 60,000 children and expanded to six other countries across the Asia-Pacific, including Cambodia, Timor-Leste, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Indonesia and Australia.
The program and curriculum also provide resources for parents, caregivers, teachers and child protection professionals so that they feel equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to support children’s online safety at home and in schools.
Keep reading to learn more about how we are working with students to improve their digital skills and take control of their online lives.
Empowering Cambodian Students Through Digital Literacy
From cyberbullying and harassment to misinformation and privacy violations, kids face a range of challenges online. For fourteen-year-old Solita from Cambodia, these aren’t abstract concepts; they are a reality her and her friends have experienced.
“My friend’s Facebook account was hacked, and they received bullying comments. Before, we wouldn’t have known what to do,” shares Solita.
Recognising that simply providing access to technology isn’t enough, ChildFund, in partnership with the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, is preparing students like Solita with the skills they need to be safe online.
Student attending digital literacy lesson.
ChildFund’s “Improve Digital Competency in Education” project has brought vital digital literacy, financial literacy, and online safety curriculums to 17 schools in Phnom Penh and Kandal province reaching 20,000 students. By focusing on three key areas, including upgrading school digital facilities, strengthening teaching on online safety, and raising awareness about digital literacy, we are helping to bridge the digital divide and prepare students for the future.
As Bunhan, a Teach for Cambodia fellow, explains, “I didn’t realise the enormous consequences of online activity for young students before receiving ChildFund’s online safety training. Students can easily fall victim to cybercrime and online abuse. Many then do not know how to report. Now, I confidently share internet safety knowledge with my students and encourage them to report issues using the hotline numbers in their textbooks.”
Thanks to trainings led by teachers like Bunhan, Solita learned how to confidently and safely navigate the online world, and she then helped her friends do the same.
“After learning about online safety, I was able to help them. I told them how to block the hacker and remove the hurtful comments,” she explains.
As a school director, Sithy has seen firsthand the impact of digital literacy on her students. “Regardless of the specific digital skills,” she says. “It’s incredibly important. It improves students’ ability to learn about technology, which is essential in today’s world. It also prepares them for higher education and gives them the foundation for future success. When they go on to further studies, they’ll already have a strong grasp of computer technology.”
With your support, we are creating a safer and more enriching online environment for Cambodian students. By arming them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world responsibly, we’re not only improving learning outcomes but also empowering a generation to become confident and informed digital citizens. It’s a testament to the power of investing in digital literacy and a crucial step towards ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital age.
School can be a tough experience for many kids. For children with disabilities, the challenges can be even greater. They often face barriers – whether it’s a lack of resources, support or understanding – that make it hard to fully participate in learning. But this is something we can change.
Inclusive education means that all kids, regardless of their abilities, have the chance to succeed. It’s about creating environments where every student feels supported and encouraged. When schools and communities adapt to meet the needs of all learners, they help them develop the skills that pave the way to brighter futures.
Take Linh from Vietnam and Piseth from Cambodia. Though they come from different backgrounds, they share a similar story. Both enjoy learning in environments that adapt to their needs, where education is shaped to suit them, not the other way around.
Discover more about their stories below.
Linh’s story
Since she was little, 10-year-old Linh from Hoa Binh province had always struggled with reading, writing and math. When she started Year 1, she couldn’t keep up with her classmates.
Her mum, Nhien, watched in frustration as Linh fell further behind. “I felt like I was falling into depression because I didn’t know how to help my child,” Nhien said. “The more I worried, the more I scolded Linh, thinking I was pushing her to catch up.”
The pressure to keep up with her classmates made learning stressful. But things began to change when Nhien discovered a ChildFund program called ‘Ready for Primary School’. The program helps parents of children with disabilities create more supportive learning environments at home.
Nhien learnt valuable strategies, including the importance of patience, how to tailor learning to Linh’s needs and how to use visual aids to help her grasp concepts. Slowly, she shifted her approach, realising that her daughter needed calm, steady support rather than pressure.
Linh and her mother learning at home.
“I learnt that since my daughter has a learning difficulty, I have to teach her gradually,” Nhien explained. “I don’t push her anymore. Now I see her steady progress, and that makes me really happy.”
The program also provided practical tools, like video guides, to show Nhien how to make everyday activities part of Linh’s learning – from simple tasks to fun play. With her mum’s new understanding and encouragement, Linh began to make progress
“I use what I’ve learnt to teach and play with Linh,” Nhien said. “I also know how to encourage and praise her when she does something well.”
Linh’s reading and math skills have improved, and she rediscovered the joy of learning. “I find it easier to understand when mum teaches me, and I feel happier,” Linh said.
Now, both Nhien and Linh enjoy the learning process together. With the right support, Linh is gaining confidence and building important, life-long skills.
Piseth’s story
Ten-year-old Piseth loves learning, but for a long time, it wasn’t easy. Struggling with reading and writing, he had been moved between several schools, never able to keep up with his classmates. His confidence was low, and school felt like a constant uphill battle. But things started to change when Piseth joined community-based learning classes in his village. In these smaller, supportive groups, Piseth received the attention he needed to catch up with his classmates.
“I enjoy studying with my teacher, Kimsan, and friend, Vichra,” Piseth said. “They help me whenever I have trouble with reading and encourage me to repeat words I struggle with.”
Kimsan, a young volunteer with the program, saw how much of a difference these classes made. “The additional classes are a game-changer. Piseth has really come a long way,” he said. “He’s improved a lot with his reading and writing and has become much more active in class.”
Piseth’s mum noticed the change, too. “I’m so happy to see my son’s progress,” she said. “He’s more focused and excited to learn. I believe that with continued support, he will have a bright future.”
Piseth and his mum at a community-based learning class in their community
Through our Easy to Learn project in Battambang Province, we’ve been providing extra learning classes for children with learning difficulties, like Piseth. These classes, often held in homes and schools, offer focused support to help kids improve their reading, writing and numeracy skills.
Inclusive education: A community effort
When it comes to making education more inclusive, it takes all of us – parents, schools, and communities – working together. It’s about creating environments where kids like Linh and Piseth have the support they need to break down barriers and succeed on their own terms.
By working together, we can give all children the opportunity to flourish in a supportive educational environment.
