On Location in Stung Treng with UNICEF – NGO filmmaker on a case study

While filming an overview video for Generation Future, part of the assignment was to work as an NGO filmmaker to focus on Panha, a girl who joined the Code for Girls programme to work as a student volunteer. 

Code for Girls is a project for girls to to learn about coding and engineering, which are both STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. 

It’s important to encourage girls to participate in STEM subjects as they’re often seen as subjects more suited to boys.

‘Most of the time, girls’ parents don’t let them study STEM subjects,’ says Panha. 

‘After completing high school, I’d like to go to university. I’d like to study IT or engineering,’ she adds.

Panha has been interested in robotics since she was young and Code for Girls is a great opportunity for her to learn more.

‘I’ve been interested in this since I was 10. I found out about it on YouTube. There are so many things to watch,’ she says.

‘It’s predominantly men who make robots, but I think women can make them as well. If male students can study IT, why can't girls?’ she adds.

This has been a great opportunity to learn new skills.  

‘The most interesting part was drawing a 3D model on the computer. After creating our designs, we got to print them on a 3D printer.  I’m really happy, because I’ve never done anything like this before,’ she say.

Over the coming months, Panha will work with her project leaders and peers to train other students as part of the project. 

‘I’d like to be able to provide training for girls like me. to improve their skillset and for them to

understand how to put what I teach into practice,’ she says. 

‘I would like to encourage all girls to be confident in studying STEM subjects. They can be role models for the next generation of girls to look up to,’ she adds.

I look forward to catching up with Panha in a few months’ time, when we’ll be making a follow up video to see the progress she’s made and how she’s managed to train and empower other girls in her community.

You can read more about the other Generation Future video I made here.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need an NGO filmmaker to work on any upcoming projects