Phnom Penh, Cambodia, February 15, 2024: The Cambodian Equestrian Federation (CEF) is set to launch a pioneering vocational training programme at the beginning of March aimed at boosting the participation of young women in Cambodia's growing equestrian sector, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) reports.
Created with the support of a Gender Equality Grant from FEI Solidarity, the primary objective of the programme is to provide comprehensive support and mentorship to women aged 15 to 20, guiding them towards establishing sustainable careers as grooms in stables or riding centres.
The programme will offer basic training as well as specialised courses to equip participants with advanced skills in horse care and facility maintenance.
The training programme – which will take place at the Genius Resort, the new CEF training centre in Phnom Penh – has been officially endorsed by FEI President and Chair of the FEI Solidarity Committee Ingmar De Vos and FEI Vice President and Group VIII Chair Jack Huang, who recently visited the training facilities and met with the 10 participants.
“We are honoured to be the recipients of this Gender Equality Grant. The financial support from FEI Solidarity will go a long way to improving the know-how required for equestrian activities to grow and thrive in our country, while giving these young women the opportunity to make significant economic contributions to society,” CEF Secretary General and architect of the training programme H.R.H. Nanda-Dévi Norodom said.
“In Cambodia, the equine sector has a shortage of skilled and qualified professionals which makes it impossible to address the increasing demand and needs of the different stakeholders in the equestrian sector.
“While this programme blends practical and theoretical learning, participants will also be taught basic English vocabulary relating to horses, grooming and riding. Our aim is to ensure that these young women leave the programme well prepared for the workforce and can avail of any and all opportunities for employment.”
Through the CEF vocational training programme, a total of 20 women, who will be trained in groups of 10 students, have been chosen to take part in the training programme. Once they have graduated, the apprentices will be accompanied by the CEF in their job search.
