On 26th July 2017, ISF invited Advancing Engineering (AE) to hold a workshop on civil engineering for 30 high school students. AE is an engineering and construction consulting firm focused on infrastructure projects that works primarily in developing countries. The workshop aimed to give young people a taste of what engineering is about and to expose our students to a possible career as an engineer as well as a more active style of learning than is usually seen in Cambodia.

Sona Seng, managing civil engineer, was the main speaker, and ISF students, especially the girls, found her speech and story inspirational. Sona has always been passionate about mathematics and blueprints, which is why she decided to pursue a career in engineering. After graduating from high school, she had the opportunity to study abroad at the Technical University of Denmark, where she received a civil engineering degree. While studying, she also gained valuable work experience interning at an engineering consulting company. After graduating in 2011, she returned to Cambodia and started work in the construction sector where she saw a lack of qualified Cambodians. She joined AE and was promoted to engineering manager after only two years.

Active Learning

Cambodian society has traditionally placed women in the home, and men outnumber women in the engineering sector. Sona encouraged the female students not to be discouraged by this gender disparity. On the contrary, they should feel motivated and inspired to shine and stand out. She also encouraged them to pursue the subjects they like without stepping back because of cultural traditions and stereotypes.

The next speaker, Angy, exposed our students to engineering by showing them different buildings’ shapes and structures, and explained what makes a building strong and efficient. She then split the students into five groups and asked them to build a disaster-resistant model house with bamboo sticks and plastic. The speakers evaluated their work, giving them feedback and tips to improve.

Competitive Spirit

The students took to the task with great competitive spirit, which resulted in the participants asking for more advice and materials in order to improve their designs. Each group came across unique problems, but with a few pushes in the right direction from the engineers, they managed to create shelters that resisted simulated earthquakes and heavy rainfall. It was great to see the students have the chance to learn in this more active style, which promotes teamwork and inclusivity and develops the soft problem-solving skills, teamwork and decision-making that every engineer relies on.

At the end of the workshop, the students were able to ask questions and share their thoughts. Sola* said, “Honestly, I’d never thought of studying engineering as I was told it was a field for men. However, hearing Sona’s story and speech was inspiring. I don’t know if I will study engineering in the future, but I definitely want to step up and follow my interests. As Sona said, I don’t want to be discouraged by the lack of female students and workers in some fields. If I was the only girl in my class, I would feel unique and special.”

*Names of children under 18 years old have been changed.