A mentoring programme created by Southampton Solent University is now launching its second wave of mentors as it fundraises for participants to meet their mentees in Cambodia.

Created to connect BA (Hons) Criminology and BSc (Hons) Criminal Investigation with Psychology students at Solent University with pupils at the Cambodian Children’s Fund’s (CCF) Neeson Cripps Academy in Phnom Penh, the project is entering its second year following initial success in 2024.

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Katie Pegden, who was part of the first cohort at Solent, said: "Our task as mentors is to motivate and empower our mentees to reach their potential in subjects that society does not consider them to study, and I have really enjoyed speaking with my mentee fortnightly; checking in with her and learning about her culture.

"My mentee’s hardworking nature and talent amidst her tough early childhood have, in turn, motivated me to push myself."

Now, to cement bonds created online, across cultures and more than 6,000 miles, Solent and the Cambodian Children’s Fund is raising money to bring mentors and mentees together, in person, in Cambodia.

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On Saturday, April 19, students and staff at Solent University will walk around 35km in one day, from Durdle Door to Swanage along the famous Jurassic Coast.

Navigating the challenging terrain of the beautiful South West Coast Path, the group aim to raise £10,000 to send student mentors to Cambodia after graduation in the summer and make a donation to the CCF.

Donations can be made on gofundme.com

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Pairing mentors at Solent with mentees at the Neeson Cripps Academy – a flagship school for STEM subjects that breaks down barriers to education – this scheme aims to champion cultural exchange and inspire young women from Cambodia’s least advantaged communities to pursue their goals.

Veronica Wasik, criminology student and volunteer mentor in the second cohort, said: "This project gives me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both the education and future of students in Cambodia.

"I think that mentoring can create amazing opportunities, allowing students in Cambodia to develop their full potential and achieve their goals whilst having someone there supporting and vouching for them."