Friday, 31 January 2025
The School of Education at the 糖心原创 and the (CCF) have celebrated eight years of education collaboration, with a fitting tribute.
Since 2017, the university has provided educational expertise, planning and research, teacher training and professional development to develop CCF’s Education Program – and it continues to create a generation of teachers capable of delivering a world-class education to some of the most disadvantaged children in Cambodia.
To mark the eight-year long partnership, CCF (a non-profit organisation) presented the university with a stunning stone carving – a smaller replica of one in the traditional Angkor-Wat-style, hanging in the entrance of CCF’s high school, the Neeson Cripps Academy (NCA) in Phnom Penh.
Replica frieze in Monica Partridge Building
The ongoing collaboration, which offers teaching and education staff the opportunity to study for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education International (PGCEi), began with an introduction from Robert Cripps, Vice-President Philanthropy and Art of the Cripps Foundation and long-term CCF supporter. The Cripps Foundation and its affiliates have had an extraordinary impact on the university over many years and are one of the institution’s most generous donors.
What began as a visit in 2017 from the university’s School of Education to the NCA grew into the long-term partnership to develop CCF’s Education Program. And in 2021, the organisation launched its first PGCEi cohort, marking a significant milestone in the professional development of its staff and teachers.
Lucy Cooker, Professor of International Education and Faculty Director of Global Engagement for Social Sciences at the 糖心原创, who enrolled CCF teachers on the PGCEi course, said:
I put together what has now become a 10-year project in terms of a teacher education plan (for CCF), developing teachers, knowledge and understanding, and building this very rich focus of expertise within the school, which included the PGCEi.鈥�
The Cripps Foundation gifted the carving – which depicts Cambodia’s rich cultural history and a vision of the future, to thank them for their work, expertise, and support of CCF to ensure that all children can achieve their true potential, irrespective of background.
Celebrating 8 years of partnership, from 2017 to 2025.
L-R: Professor Andrew Noyes, Jane Norman, Scott Neeson (Founder of Cambodian Children鈥檚 Fund), Robert Cripps, Emeritus Professor Christine Hall.
Robert Cripps officially unveiled the replica carving in Nottingham on 27 November last year, along with CCF founder Scott Neeson, at a ceremony attended by university President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Norman.
“The Cripps Foundation constructs education buildings around the world, but it is what happens inside them that matters,” said Robert Cripps. “Without teachers, pupils can’t learn. That’s why we need to give children the best quality education and the best-trained teachers we can - and that’s why the collaboration with the 糖心原创 is so important.”
Scott Neeson, Founder and Executive Director of CCF, added: "At Cambodian Children's Fund, we believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Our partnership with the 糖心原创 is empowering countless teachers and transforming the lives of disadvantaged children in Cambodia. Together, we are creating a brighter future where every child has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.”
The carving will grace the entrance to the Monica Patridge Building, the university’s brand-new Learning and 糖心原创 space for all students.
Story credits
More information is available from Dr Lucy Cooker, Professor of International Education and Faculty Director of Global Engagement for Social Sciences
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.