What happens when you combine a classroom full of eager young learners, a dedicated team of educators, and a passion for making language learning accessible to all?
You get something truly special—Kampong Chhnang’s first-ever Language Lab!
In partnership with the Water and Health Foundation Cambodia (WAH) and with funding from Atlas Foundation and Anita, Alex, and Annabel Nicholson Memorial Fund, Studycat traveled to Kampong Chhnang to help set up an interactive learning space where children can build their English skills in a fun, engaging way.
A mission months in the making
This wasn’t just a quick visit. Six months of preparation went into getting everything ready: setting up a new classroom, painting walls, sourcing 25 tablets and a state-of-the-art interactive whiteboard, and even selecting the perfect lead educator to guide the program.
Then, in February 2025, Studycat’s Co-Founder Mateo Solares and Head of Learning Jake Whiddon packed their bags and headed to Cambodia to bring this vision to life.
Setting up for success
The journey began with a drive from Phnom Penh to Kampong Chhnang, where the team met with WAH Foundation leaders and the newly appointed lead educator, Chantha Sous. After a warm welcome and meet and greet, it was time to get to work—setting up the technology that would bring interactive English learning to life.
Mateo took on the grueling task of installing all 25 tablets and the interactive whiteboard, transforming a simple classroom into a high-tech language learning hub.
Learning in action
Day two started early with an early 7 AM presentation to parents and children, explaining how the Language Learning Lab would support English education. Then came the real magic—a demo class with Studycat!
With students gathered around, the team showcased the interactive tools, bringing English vocabulary to life with engaging games and activities. Parents saw firsthand how digital learning could make language education more immersive, fun, and effective.
And because no trip to Cambodia would be complete without exploring the local community, the team also traveled down the Tonle Sap river to visit villages supported by WAH and explore future expansion opportunities for Studycat.
A lasting impact
The best part? This isn’t just a one-time initiative. The Language Learning Lab is here to stay, providing students with structured English lessons twice a week and offering teachers continuous support.
As WAH Foundation CEO Philip Kitcher put it:
“For many children from underserved families, even basic necessities like school supplies and clothing are out of reach, creating barriers to their education. Learning a new language—whether English or Chinese—can be a game-changer, opening doors to better job opportunities and a brighter future.”
Studycat is incredibly proud to support this mission and looks forward to seeing the next generation of Cambodian students grow, learn, and thrive.
The road ahead
This is just the beginning. With the success of the Kampong Chhnang Language Learning Lab, Studycat is eager to expand this model to other underserved communities. Because when children have access to education, technology, and the right support, their future possibilities become limitless.
Stay tuned for more updates as Studycat continues bringing language learning to life for kids around the world!
See more from the field
Curious to learn more about how Studycat is supporting global education initiatives? Head over to our Community page to explore more stories, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments from our partnerships around the world.