Samaritan’s Purse is raising up a new generation of doctors, programmers, and engineers in some of the most unlikely places.
Experiments are opening doors for a teenage girl named Sona.
The oldest of five children in a farming family from Pailin Province, Cambodia, she is used to shouldering responsibility. Throughout her 14 years of life, her parents have taught her the value of hard work, which she’s persistently applied to her education.
Recently she channeled that raw motivation into a new passion when a Samaritan’s Purse program provided opportunities for her to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at her high school.
Through the program, Sona now has access to a brand-new laboratory and a well-stocked library. It also equipped her teachers to lead her in hands-on projects that teach the principles and practices of scientific and technological exploration. This will help to prepare her and her fellow students for the rapidly changing workforce in Cambodia.
While working on the STEM science club project, Sona felt a confirmation of her gifts and interests. Now, she is determined to become a doctor so she can serve her community.
As Samaritan’s Purse staff works to train up to 1,800 students, faculty, and administrators in STEM principles, the Gospel is proclaimed at every touchpoint. The staff hands out tracts about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and personally invites people to follow Christ. The new libraries we provide also include Biblical literature for students and educators to read as they continue to grow in their knowledge of the Lord Jesus.
STEM was a dream come true for Sona! The additional resources opened a world of possibilities, allowing her to delve deeper into her studies and discover the wonders of science as well as the God who created everything. She also began participating in the science club offered through STEM, where she engaged in experiments together with her peers.
“For Sona, each experiment was a step closer to her dream of becoming a doctor, a goal she held close to her heart,” said a Samaritan’s Purse staff member.
Confirming a Life’s Direction
When the STEM program hosted a competition for the science club, Sona and her friends worked hard to prepare their entry. To their surprise, they won first place among seven teams. This achievement confirmed to her that her dream of becoming a doctor was worth pursuing, because it would change the lives of others in her community.
“The skills and knowledge she gained through the project were invaluable stepping stones on her journey toward this goal,” said a Samaritan’s Purse staff member.
Sona is deeply grateful to Samaritan’s Purse for bringing this opportunity and its new possibilities into her life. She often reflects on how STEM transformed her school and her own aspirations. The new library and laboratory have become symbols of hope in her life.
For Sona, the new laboratory at her school symbolizes hope for a brighter future.
“I believe that the generosity of the donors has not only impacted me but also countless other students who now have access to better educational resources and opportunities,” Sona said. “In my heart, I hold a vision of the future where I stand as a doctor, serving my family and my community. I am determined to achieve this dream.”
Opening Minds to Open-Source Programming
Another eighth grader named Lisa lives in a rural area surrounded by cassava paddies and mountains on the Cambodia-Thailand border. Even though some of her peers did not continue their education past primary school, she drives a motorbike 20 minutes to her secondary school each weekday because she has a thirst for knowledge.
Lisa’s thirst for knowledge has only grown through STEM’s hands-on learning and training in critical thinking.
Lisa used to spend her free time reading at the primary school library. Although the books there did not challenge her as much as she was capable of, it was a way to keep growing. Recently, her eyes were opened to greater possibilities through STEM’s hands-on learning, which featured collaborative projects, the integration of technology, and training in critical thinking—all while also teaching her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The new library at her school was a bonus for her growing young mind.
“The year 2024 was amazing for me because the STEM project was implemented at my school. I got knowledge, such as attending a job orientation training that showed me lots of work [possibilities] I never knew,” Lisa said.
The training gave her confidence to map out a path for her life, and even taught her about scholarships and how to obtain them. Lisa also started participating in two clubs sponsored by STEM: one emphasizes the sciences and the other explores Arduino, an area of study centered around an open-source hardware and software package.
The Arduino club sponsored by STEM helped Lisa realize that she wants to become a programmer in the future.
“I love Arduino club so much,” Lisa said. “It is a new technology for me. It’s interesting! My friend and I were surprised that when we upload cord into the Arduino board, it can make LED lights blink automatically. It’s unbelievable!”
God has used the clubs in Lisa’s life to grow her love for technology.
“I want to become a programmer in the future,” Lisa said.
“A thousand thanks to Samaritan’s Purse for coming to teach me and giving me the great opportunity to participate in STEM activities. Via the clubs, I can identify [for] myself which one I like the most and [that will] show me what can be my career.”
Equipping Administrators
Chally, the vice principal at Lisa’s school, also praised Samaritan’s Purse for the new addition to their curriculum.
Chally, the vice principal at Lisa’s school, is grateful to Samaritan’s Purse for the STEM resources to serve his faculty and student body.
“I am so proud of 2024,” Chally said. “This was the first time my school conducted the STEM show that featured the students’ newfound enthusiasm and proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—a testament to the project’s success.”
The vice principal especially thanked Samaritan’s Purse donors for their involvement in Cambodia’s educational systems.
“I express deep gratitude for the support received thus far and emphasize the continued need for assistance to further enhance the school’s facilities and resources. My vision for the future includes ongoing support to provide students and teachers with the tools and opportunities they need.”
The Samaritan’s Purse STEM project equips faculty to teach their students with innovative, interactive methods.
Please pray for Samaritan’s Purse staff in Cambodia as they work to introduce both youth, faculty, and administrators to the Lord Jesus Christ through the STEM training. Pray that through their efforts many people would come to know the Source of science, the Creator of the universe.
