Vocational training for young people in a metalworking workshop in Cambodia

Smiling Gecko

Smiling Gecko pursues a holistic approach based on economic and ecological principles in order to show people in need in rural Cambodia sustainable ways out of poverty. The focus is on providing high-quality education and vocational training for children and young adults (helping them to help themselves).  

The centrepiece of Smiling Gecko is the Education Campus. Here, children from the age of 3 are taught bilingually in Khmer, the national language, and English. They also run several craft training centres and the Farmhouse Resort on the campus. 

Metalworking workshop

Investing in education and vocational training to develop the skills and knowledge of the population is a decisive factor in the development of a country. 

Smiling Gecko is guided by the elements of the Swiss dual system, which combines theoretical and practical training. 

In Smiling Gecko's new metal construction workshop, young Cambodians are trained so that they can later earn their own income and support their families. The aim is for the apprentices to be released into a company after three years or to be able to open their own business and train people again.