Founded in 2019, Sisters of Code began as a small non-profit initiative with a big mission: to empower young girls to thrive in the tech industry through free training programs. What started as a modest effort has become a movement, providing free training opportunities to hundreds of young girls across Cambodia. Our journey is a testament to one thing: Our impact is real.
To honor our students' incredible achievements and our community's support, we hosted a special gathering to celebrate our 5th anniversary. The event occurred on the afternoon of January 25, 2025, at IT Academy STEP Cambodia Institute, Olympic Branch.
This gathering brought together former and current students, trainers, mentors, and partners who have been with us every step of the way, witnessing and supporting our mission to create a welcoming space for girls and women to thrive in the tech industry.
To reflect on our progress, four students from different programs took the stage to share their experiences with Sisters of Code. It was truly inspiring to hear how they transformed from feeling intimidated by the tech industry to becoming confident, motivated individuals eager to inspire other young women to pursue tech education.
First, Ms. Much Sokvicheka, a dedicated student in the Sisters of Code program since 2021, shared her incredible journey of growth and transformation. Through the program, Vicheka developed a strong foundation in digital and professional skills, unlocking opportunities to connect with inspiring communities both locally and internationally. She also highlighted how Sisters of Code enhanced her teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities while fostering self-motivation and resilience.
Second, Ms. Pheany Amarakbotrei joined Sisters of Code at the young age of 9, being the youngest of Sisters of Code students to join the program in 2020. Amarakbotrei shared that she initially felt nervous about being the youngest in the class. However, with the support of her kind mentor, welcoming peers, and a positive learning environment, she quickly became comfortable and began to enjoy her coding sessions. Over the years, she proudly worked on several exciting projects, including building websites using WIX, HTML, and CSS, as well as creating games on platforms like Scratch and code.org.
Third, Ms. Nan Sanna joined the first cohort of the Sisters of Code Employment Skills Program, focusing on Website Development and UX/UI Design. Her journey through the program has been inspiring and marked by impressive achievements. Sanna showcased her creativity and technical skills by designing a Canva website, curating a professional portfolio on Notion, and developing a real-time currency exchange platform featuring up-to-the-minute rates.
Fourth, Ms. Hon Ratana, a Sisters of Code Employment Skills Program student, shared her transformative journey of personal and professional development. Through the program, she gained a range of invaluable skills, from digital literacy and critical thinking to teamwork and public speaking. During her reflection, Ratana highlighted the growing importance of staying informed about technology, emphasizing that digital tools and innovations now play a critical role across all sectors - not just within the IT industry. She also has shared exciting news about winning 3000 USD award for the agricultural start-up that she has created with other team members. These amazing news really inspired the audience.
Although coming from different programs, the students shared similar experiences — they have felt empowered and gained confidence in pursuing tech education, a field that has traditionally been male-dominated.
Beyond the insightful presentations and reflections, we brought an extra layer of fun and engagement to the event with a tech-related trivia game. Students and partners enthusiastically participated, answering thought-provoking questions and fostering a collaborative environment where new knowledge was shared and celebrated.
To make the event even more vibrant and memorable, we also offered a delightful spread of food, snacks, and drinks, creating the perfect backdrop for networking and meaningful conversations. This combination of learning, collaboration, and connection highlighted the spirit of Sisters of Code: empowering individuals while building a supportive and inclusive community.
This gathering brought back many cherished memories and served as a powerful motivation for us to continue driving our mission: fostering confidence in young women pursuing tech education. The opportunity to share success stories, connect with our students and have fun together is a valuable experience in creating a supportive community, that Sisters of Code has become.
That said, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our past and present partners who share our commitment and trust in our mission. Your support has been instrumental in our growth and in making our impact a reality.
Please note that Sisters of Code is a non-profit initiative offering three main training programs: Sisters of Code Ambassadors, Sisters of Code Club, and Sisters of Code Employment Skills Program. These programs are open to all female students across Cambodia, with flexible online and offline class options to ensure accessibility and affordability for everyone. Beyond these core programs, we also organize short training sessions, workshops, and discussions, announced periodically.
Stay connected with us on social media to keep up with our latest updates and program announcements. Together, let’s continue creating opportunities and inspiring the next generation of women in tech.
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