A mentor instructs a team of participants in how to become productive problem solvers, social innovators and catalysts for positive community change. Supplied
Over 60 young future leaders gathered for the Changemakers Social Incubator 2: Social Hackathon for change earlier this month. The event was hosted by Impact Hub Phnom Penh and funded by USAID’s Advancing Youth Leadership initiative.
The three-day event showcased innovative strategies aimed at promoting social inclusion and empowering marginalised communities, and represented a major milestone in youth-led civic engagement in Cambodia.
The incubator returned after a two-year break with renewed energy, bringing together a diverse group of participants to tackle pressing social challenges faced by underrepresented communities, including people with disabilities, Indigenous youth and LGBTQI+ individuals.
The programme offers a platform for experiential learning, leadership development and community-driven problem solving.
“We were excited to see youth in Phnom Penh exposed to and learning about social problems that they never knew were problems before they joined the programme,” said Chhim Tithamatak, director of entrepreneurship education at Impact Hub Phnom Penh.
“It was an experiential learning moment for them as they worked directly with our challenge holders to solve real problems using innovative thinking and resources,” he added.
The incubator culminated in a three-day Social Hackathon, where participants worked in teams to transform complex community challenges into actionable solutions.
Sor San, (left) a representative of people with disabilities. Supplied
With the support of experienced mentors, the teams developed concrete project proposals aimed at creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
These ideas were then presented in a final pitching session, where the top six teams were awarded action funds to implement their initiatives.
One of the standout projects, Lotus Blooming, focused on supporting the LGBTQI+ community by fostering self-awareness and creating safe spaces for dialogue.
Another project, F4r Better, aimed to increase inclusion in arts and sports for people with disabilities through social media campaigns and workshops.
These projects, along with others, received $600 each as seed funding to help turn their ideas into reality.
“This was my first hackathon, and it was an incredible experience. I felt empowered to share my ideas and connect with like-minded individuals,” said Choun Reaksmey, a participant from the Unmute team, which is working to combat early marriage among Indigenous youth.
“The mentors’ support was invaluable, helping me refine and pitch my concept. I also gained deep insight about diversity and the importance of creating inclusive spaces,” she added.
Attendees of the three-day Social Hackathon pose for a group photo. Supplied
The event served as a stepping stone for the young leaders to become empathetic agents of change.
By focusing on social inclusion, the programme fostered a sense of responsibility and ownership among the participants to address inequalities and bring about positive change in their communities.
“As a woman with disabilities and a challenge holder, I was thrilled to witness the passion and dedication of these young minds eager to address the inequalities faced by underrepresented groups,” said Sor San, a representative of people with disabilities. “Their enthusiasm was inspiring.”
The success of the incubator has ignited a new wave of enthusiasm for youth-led civic engagement in Cambodia.
By equipping young leaders with the skills and resources they need to create meaningful social change, the programme hopes to contribute to the development of a more inclusive and equitable society.
