Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) has won an International Philanthropy Award in its 20th year for its Neeson Cripps Academy school and work to transform the lives of impoverished children through education.
CCF was honoured by Philanthropy Australia and the Australian International Development Network, showcasing its flagship STEM school on an international stage.
The award recognised CCF's partnership with the Cripps Foundation to create opportunities for young people from the most disadvantaged communities in the region to access the highest quality of education
Opened in February 2017, the Neeson Cripps Academy is a gift from The Cripps Foundation and was designed pro bono by world-class architects COOKFOX. The school is named after Cambodian Children’s Foundation founder Scott Neeson and former Velcro Companies Chairman Robert Cripps.
Their shared vision has transformed the lives of hundreds of children since the NCA opened.
The school is leading the way for the development of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in Cambodia with a world-standard education, IT and science labs, and a progressive curriculum.
CCF is also proud to give girls from vulnerable backgrounds a chance to shine, empowering them to make decisions about their own futures. More than 70% of NCA high school pupils are female. Many of the girls are leading STEM stars, participating in robotics, coding, and technical design.
We’re already seeing incredible results from the investment in these children’s futures. NCA students recently achieved a record 100% pass rate in the National Exam, and all 50 are now in university on scholarships. Over 190 students, including the first CCF cohort in 2004, some of whom were rescued from working on the garbage dump, have graduated from university - the first in their families.
More than 400 children are currently studying at the NCA, working to lift themselves and their families out of poverty and become the leaders of tomorrow.
The award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of NCA students, teachers and the Education Team.
Adam Ognall, Acting CEO of Philanthropy Australia, commented on the outstanding award finalists and recipients: “The recipients are a true display of excellence in philanthropic giving across a broad range of cause areas and communities.
“The award recipients exemplify the philosophy of ‘more and better giving."
