Mony’s path from rural Cambodia to architecture
Through the EDGE Empower Initiative, Mony is studying architecture in Phnom Penh and working towards designing homes that combine Khmer culture with modern building techniques.
· Cambodia
Mony grew up in rural Cambodia, surrounded by rice fields. His family worked hard, but university tuition was beyond their means.
In 2023, he joined EDGE Worldwide’s EDGE Empower Initiative, founded by Jamie Christopherson and Hilde Marie Kvaløsæter. The programme provided financial support alongside mentorship and guidance, giving him the opportunity to pursue architecture.
“Without this scholarship, I'd be doing manual labour. Instead, I'm designing Cambodia's future.”
Mony, EDGE Empower Initiative architecture student
Now a third-year architecture student in Phnom Penh, Mony spends long evenings studying and developing his skills. He wants to design homes that bring together traditional Khmer culture and modern building techniques.
His ambitions extend beyond his own career. Mony sees education as an opportunity to support others, too.
“When you sponsor students, they get opportunities to continue their dream, and when they are successful they can help other students too,” he says.
For Mony, the scholarship has opened a path his family could not otherwise afford.
To learn about sponsoring students through the EDGE Empower Initiative, contact EDGE Worldwide.