New look, new identity, same values for high-tech educator

[PHNOM PENH POST]

A new look and a new identity but the same values. CIST – the Centre for Information Systems Training – which was launched in 2005 in Cambodia to provide disadvantaged students with IT training and qualifications, will now be known as Passerelles Numeriques Cambodia.

A new forward-looking logo has also been launched and the changes also relate to the centres in the Philippines, started in 2009, and Vietnam, which began operating in 2010 in Da Nang.

It’s the result of an ongoing make-over which has characterised the organisation over the past few years. Passerelles Numeriques was created in Paris in 2006 as a specific NGO by offering access to education and opportunities for employment through personal and professional development programs to the underprivileged.

Since its inception professionals and volunteers throughout the world have been working through the organisation to help future generations break out of the poverty cycle through education and employment and as Passerelles Numeriques continues to expand worldwide it is now creating a new global image.

“Our objectives, principles of action and values stay the same, however we have grown and continue to grow and develop operations in different countries and feel it important to show a single global image as we operate everywhere with the same mission, the same passion,” said the chairman of the PN Board Mr Benoit Genuini.

CIST began operating in Phnom Penh in 2005, its first school having 25 students but now there are more than 450 students in its three-country operation which aims for youths to receive high level training – professional, targeted and certified – and get qualified high-tech jobs and realise their potential.

To fulfill the needs of employer companies, it develops training programs which integrate the knowledge of English and of business environment and promote business values and professional behaviour. It has built strong links with the business world, enabling it to bridge education with professional opportunities with the students supported in their job search thanks to a network of partner companies. CIST first developed a two-year curriculum for high-school graduates, called “SNA” (Systems and Networks Administration), with students learning how to install, configure and maintain computers and networks in small to mid-size organisations.

The training focused on maximum interaction with local companies through various activities: company visits, conferences, workshops and internships.

In 2007 it had 153 students in Cambodia and its first 20 graduates and the following year had 240 students as well as launching the Data Entry Operator curriculum (DMO) and Web Development Program (WEP).

With its new image launched, last month also saw the ending of the complex annual PN Cambodia selection process started in January 2011, which took place in 18 provinces and 40 exam centres with 7200 students attending the information sessions, 2200 sitting the written exam (English, Logic and Maths, Speed and Accuracy) and 992 meeting PNs selection team to prove their motivation.

Finally, 200 students were selected and 38 of these were chosen among the youths of some of PN’s NGO partners, such as EDM, PSE, Aspeca, Krousa Thmey, BFD, AFS, Partner in Campassion and the Sangkhem Centre for Children.

The new school year starts this month.