In the rapidly expanding digital economy, equipping the next generation with advanced skills has never been more critical. In Cambodia, a unique initiative is transforming the lives of young people, particularly girls, through video game development. Supported by UNICEF, Bitget, and other global technology partners, this program provides youth with hands-on learning opportunities in coding, storytelling, design, and financial literacy – empowering them to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Breaking Barriers in Tech Education
Despite the growing global demand for digital talent, women and girls often face structural challenges in accessing technology-focused education and career opportunities. This new initiative, led by the UNICEF Office of Innovation and its Game Changers Coalition program, is actively breaking those barriers. More than 600 students from across Cambodia, with over 65% of them being young girls, participated in coding and gaming workshops during the National Game Jam event in Phnom Penh, showcasing their creative solutions and innovations.
UNICEF’s efforts, bolstered by private-sector partners such as Bitget and the Micron Foundation, aim to provide equitable access to cutting-edge learning opportunities. One such example is the success of the Cambodian youth team, Green Ever, who were among the winners at the global UNICEF Game Jam competition. This virtual hackathon showcased how video games can be more than entertainment – they can address real societal issues and foster solutions for community challenges.
Cultivating Future Innovators
The Game Changers Coalition focuses on turning students into problem-solvers, digital creators, and future leaders in tech. Initiatives like these highlight success stories such as that of Rachna, a 16-year-old Cambodian student. Speaking of her experience, she shared, “I used to think games were just for entertainment, but now I see how they can solve real problems. I’ve learned coding, design, teamwork, and leadership, and I hope to keep creating tools that make life better for my community.”
Programs like these are vital not only for Cambodia’s economy but also for gender equity. According to Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Representative in Cambodia, “Every year, millions of girls miss out on opportunities in the digital economy. By centering our approach on inclusion and innovation, we’re ensuring young people realize their full potential in the digital age.”
Empowering Girls Through Digital Skills
This initiative places young girls at the heart of Cambodia’s digital transformation. By teaching critical skills such as programming, problem-solving, and collaboration, the Game Changers Coalition prepares them for roles as software engineers, startup founders, and leaders in the tech industry. These efforts align closely with UNICEF’s Skills4Girls program, emphasizing the importance of building confidence and capability for long-term success in the digital economy.
To bring similar educational opportunities to your home, consider introducing coding for kids with platforms like Osmo’s Coding Starter Kit. This engaging and interactive tool helps children aged 5-10 develop essential coding skills, fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities from an early age.
The Broader Impact of the Initiative
By 2027, the UNICEF Game Changers Coalition aims to reach over 1.1 million youth across 12 countries, ensuring digital literacy becomes a global movement. With the backing of governments, civil society, and private-sector partners like Bitget, this initiative is positioned to drive change in the lives of millions.
Ignacio Aguirre, CMO of Bitget, summed it up perfectly during his visit to Cambodia, saying, “At Bitget, we believe everyone should be equipped to participate in the digital world. From coding to emerging fields like blockchain, the skills being taught here will shape a brighter, more inclusive future for our youth.”
Programs like these highlight how innovative teaching methods can not only close the gender gap in tech but also inspire a new generation to thrive in the digital economy. Cambodia’s success story reinforces the power of education, collaboration, and innovation when unlocking the potential of young minds.
