Wednesday, 05 June 2024
A student from the University of Nottingham and a major donor to the university were both recognised by the King of Cambodia this week as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF).
CCF is a non-Governmental organisation (NGO) established in 2004 by Scott Neeson, previously President of 20th Century Fox International, that provides wrap-around holistic care for children and families with the aim of ensuring children can successfully attend school, progress onto university or further education, and become future leaders in their fields.
The NGO was established after Scott visited Phnom Penh as a tourist and came across a vast garbage dump, where families and children picked rubbish for a living. He then set up CCF as a response to the requests from children working on the dump to be able to go to school.
The university works with CCF to support the education and development of teaching staff in the schools run by CCF on the former landfill site, including the Neeson Cripps Academy, the NGO’s flagship school, part-funded by the Cripps Foundation.
Kram Sok Channin at the event
Around 2,000 children are working towards a better future for themselves and their families through CCF’s award winning education programme.
Kram Sok Channin, a PGCE (International) student in the School of Education at the university, and the Senior Education Manager at the Neeson Cripps Academy, was awarded the Grand Cross for services to the country, society and community, and specifically for her work with children and education. Robert and Jan Cripps were awarded the Royal Order of Sahametrei Maha Sirivudha (Grand Cross), the highest award given for distinguished services to the King and to the people of Cambodia by foreigners.
As well as a ceremony attended by King Norodom Sihamoni, three days of events to celebrate the 20th anniversary included an opening ceremony attended by Her Excellency Pich Chanmony, wife of Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Professor of International Education, Lucy Cooker, said: “It has been a privilege to attend the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Cambodian Children’s Fund.
“The work done by the School of Education to support the professional development of teachers in the Neeson Cripps Academy enables us to work with some wonderful teachers and to contribute to the incredible outcomes of students attending the academy.”
Director of Asia Philanthropy at the University of Nottingham, Christina Harcus, said: “CCFs work is beyond commendable and vital to the community. They support children who have been affected by abuse, neglect and being born into the direst of circumstances with a free education, medical provision, total support of their health and wellness.
“In creating the Neeson Cripps Academy, both Scott Neeson and Robert Cripps have created a lasting legacy that will enable and inspire children and young people to transform their lives and those of their families through the power of education. I was privileged to attend personally and create memories I will never forget.”
Story credits
More information is available from Dr Lucy Cooker on lucy.cooker@nottingham.ac.uk
Faith Pring - Media Relations Manager
Email: faith.pring@nottingham.ac.uk
Phone: 0115 748 4411
Location: University of Nottingham, University Park
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About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
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