What began as a simple idea—to connect female university students in the UK with girls in Cambodia—has grown into a cross-cultural mentorship program transforming lives on both sides of the world.
Now in its third year, the partnership between Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) and Southampton Solent University has supported three cohorts of students, with the first group of mentees preparing to graduate from high school next month (September).
I wanted to help support a girl to continue her education and be all that she wants to be.
Through regular online sessions, mentors and mentees build relationships that go far beyond the classroom—sharing experiences, navigating challenges, and learning from one another across cultures, time zones, and life circumstances.
For Penny Bartlett, a mature student and recent graduate in Criminal Investigation with Psychology from Southampton Solent University, the opportunity to take part was deeply personal.
“The idea that I could help keep a girl in education and provide support from afar was amazing to me,” she says. “As a mother, I supported my own children through their education, and as a student I know how hard it can be to stay motivated without consistent support.”
“Knowing that girls are often under pressure to choose a certain path rather than follow their dreams, I wanted to help support a girl to continue her education and be all that she wants to be.”
Penny, 49, was paired with Mengseang, 17, now approaching the final year of high school at CCF’s Neeson Cripps Academy.
Over 18 months, their relationship has grown into something far more meaningful than either expected.
“The thing I have learned is that no matter the differences—in our case time, distance and age—the ability to learn from one another enriches both our lives,” Penny says.
“It’s not about teaching,” Penny says. “It’s about encouragement, support and mutual respect. We learn from each other… and I am beyond proud to be a small part of my mentee’s journey.”
Mengseang has grown so much in confidence, and her English has massively improved. Talking to her is a highlight for me… I help her with English, and she teaches me about Khmer culture.”
This year, the connection deepened even further for Penny and her fellow mentors.
Members of the second cohort travelled more than 6,000 miles to Cambodia to meet their mentees for the very first time—bringing their online relationships to life and experiencing CCF’s work on the ground.
For Penny, the visit was unforgettable.
“Meeting the mentees and spending time both at the NCA and in the community was such a privilege,” she says. “These kids work so hard, and seeing the growth in confidence in my mentee… makes me so proud.”
The visit offered mentors a firsthand insight into the communities where CCF works—some of the most disadvantaged in Cambodia—and the holistic support that enables students to succeed.
Being able to take our second cohort of student mentors....to meet their girls that they have been mentoring was inspiring and emotional for both sides
It also revealed something deeper.
“What struck me most during my time in Cambodia was the sense of community,” Penny reflects. “This is instilled from a young age, with older students giving their time to support younger children… while older generations share their knowledge to keep traditions alive.”
Nigel Lee, Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Southampton Solent University and the project's UK lead, accompanied the second cohort to Cambodia.
“Being able to take our second cohort of student mentors from Southampton Solent University to the Neeson Cripps Academy to meet their girls that they have been mentoring was inspiring and emotional for both sides, and reinforced the important work that the Cambodian Children’s Fund does in providing education to those from the most destitute of backgrounds,” he said.
Nigel also visited CCF with the first Solent cohort in June 2025.
Nigel and the Solent mentors spent time at CC's Neeson Cripps Academy in Steung Meanchey.
They were also able to visit the community where CCF works to see how CCF students live.
My mentor has helped me to learn how to study, and we share details about our countries
As the first CCF cohort prepares to graduate, the program's impact is already clear.
Students are not only improving academically, but growing in confidence, strengthening their communication skills, and staying committed to their ambitions—particularly in STEM fields, where women remain underrepresented in Cambodia.
“As our pioneer cohort finishes school, we’re excited to see how these connections evolve into university and beyond. All but one mentor-mentee pair have stayed with the program. Even as mentors move into full-time jobs and manage busy schedules, having that dedicated sounding board remains invaluable for our 14 active students,” said Andrew Roberts, STEM Coordinator at CCF.
For mentees like Lina, part of the first CCF cohort, the experience has been transformative.
“My mentor has helped me to learn how to study, and we share details about our countries,” she says. “She is very clear in explaining things… and is a great help for my study.”
Lina is interested in coding and accountancy as future career options.
My mentee’s hardworking nature and talent amidst her tough early childhood have, in turn, motivated me to push myself.
Her Solent mentor, Katie Pegden, who graduated with a First-Class Bachelor’s in Criminology and Sociology, says: “My mentee’s hardworking nature and talent amidst her tough early childhood have, in turn, motivated me to push myself.”
What makes the program especially powerful is its continuity.
Even as mentors graduate and move into the next stage of their lives, the relationships endure.
“I will definitely continue to talk with Mengseang,” says Penny. “She still has another year at school… It’s important that she knows I will be there to support her. Also, I’d miss her—she’s become a huge part of my life now.”
