One of life’s universal truths is that each generation has a responsibility to safeguard future generations – to empower them with the tools they need to excel. In developing countries like Cambodia, however, due to economic plight, far too many children aren’t given the auspicious starts that they deserve.

To address this issue, Samsung recently carried out its ‘Love and Care 2016’ initiative, designed as a direct response to the needs of countries like Cambodia. The flagship volunteer program brought 60 volunteers from across the company to take part in an outreach effort to invest in the education welfare of young people in the region. In total, more than 2,000 children were positively impacted by the program.

Four to five representatives from each of Samsung’s subsidiaries, including HR, corporate marketing and corporate affairs, took part in the three-day program, which was held at two NGOs in Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE), which means ‘for a child’s smile’, and the People Improvement Organization (PIO). Both organizations focus on education and training as ways to help young people emerge from poverty.

The initiative was unique in that it was the company’s first proactive talent-donating employee-volunteering program in an underdeveloped region. Hopefully, it won’t be the last.

Hands-on learning

For three days, the volunteers utilized a range of educational resources to make learning fun and enjoyable. In a country where fewer than half of children complete their required tenure at primary school, efforts like this are incredibly valuable.

After a day of training and orienteering for the volunteers, the students’ activities began in full on the second day. A tree-planting exercise was carried out to give back to the environment and to teach the children to do the same. After a group lunch, it was time to begin the interactive learning session.

Samsung used interactive technology to directly connect with the children, using a range of apps to teach them important basics. The Kids Academy taught them the alphabet, the Math Camp taught basic numeracy, and the EduKitty app taught them basic words. A range of tablet devices were on hand to facilitate the fun sessions.

Other activities on day two included coloring, crafts and a tug of war to encourage children to stay active.

The theme for the final day was ‘Learn and Immerse’. A group lunch strengthened ties and friendships, and a selection of short films immersed the children in culture. There was also more tablet-based learning, as well as English lessons.

Working with PSE and PIO, Samsung found likeminded partners to support the rollout of a shared passion. Samsung cares deeply about connecting with communities, and in areas where there’s so much at stake, these difference-making efforts are hugely important.