The history of Passerelles numériques, over the last 11 years, was built thanks to the help of hundreds of volunteers supporting our operations. Many have volunteered during months, several stayed for two weeks; some even come back! Others came once a week, but during several years.
In 2015, Passerelles numériques welcomed 117 volunteers, 12 Volunteers of international solidarity (VSI) and 2 Civic Service volunteers.
Our volunteers come to us from all over the world and many of them are employees of our partner companies. Each year, the magical blend happens, a lively group composed out of those many various individuals, get together by the power of a common goal, the desire to support our students and give them a better future. Each volunteer brought its own set of skills to the table in order to build PN’s professionalism, along with our dedicated staff; each person came with a desire to make a commitment and they contribute to forge the spirit of PN.
I have been several times to the land of my ancestors and wanted in some ways to contribute to the people of this beautiful country. When I heard about PN, I applied to volunteer. I was amazed! Impressed by the level of commitment of the talented students working their way to the top. By the dedicated and professional staff looking to transfer knowledge with an interactive approach, instilling a strong team spirit, and always entertaining them by organizing fun activities. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that PN is like a second family to them, as well as for all the volunteers!
Remi SengI found the idea of doing a Service Civique interesting. Later on, I discovered Passerelles numériques through the Service Civique webiste, and PN’s websites. I was really scared about the idea of teaching, because I never had this experience. But later on, when I finally arrived in the Philippines, the fear was vanished, and I realized that I’ll do something that matters, and not only for the PN students, but also for me.
Djamel AndasmasI was seriously ill as a child. Thanks to a remarkable medical team and my amazing family, I grew-up entirely conscious that Men and Women are not all equal when it comes to luck. I knew how fortunate I had been and wanted to ‘give-back’ so I decided to volunteer with Passerelles numériques. PN empowers youths to escape the poverty circle through education, it helps them on the last mile which separates them from employment and a better life!
Anne Isabelle De GentileI made the decision to volunteer because I was offered a compelling position that matched my character. With Passerelles numériques I am in a good position to contribute to the education of a group of smart young Cambodians. I appreciate this role more every day. It allows me to get to know the culture of this great country while contributing in a small way to its socio-economic development.
Austin MooreI always hoped to better the lives of others in a more direct way. That’s why I took on a volunteer role at Passerelles numériques Vietnam in 2013. Listening to the lovely female students, giving them life advice and sharing skills and knowledge, is one of my best memories. These girls considered me like a “sister” whom they could always talk to and share their difficulties, even their secrets. I knew immediately that my first mission was to gain trust from them, otherwise I could not fully help them.
Ha My NguyenAfter learning the stories of some of the Passerelles numériques Cambodia (PNC) students, I was sure I wanted to volunteer. The fact that PNC changes lives by providing education and training that would be out of reach to Cambodian youth otherwise is so powerful. Through PNC, talented students go from impoverished backgrounds to careers in the technology industry. What an amazing mission to play even a small role in furthering!
Crystal GoodmanPN’s efficiency is the reason why I came here. As time goes on, now I can say that my decision was right. We can give a million breads for disadvantaged people, but that doesn’t help them get out of poverty. Instead, we teach 100 of them about IT to get a good job and make sure that they can help their family and others people. That’s what we did and we continue doing with all our heart in PN.
Viet Anh NguyenI joined the lovely team at Passerelles numériques in Paris after helping to organize two gala dinners for them. I see my volunteering as a fine pursuit in humanism comprised of exchanging skills and experiences with those who share the same values as I, in a common strive for efficiency. My goal: be at the same high standard as our students in Asia!
Nathalie CousinI was looking for a volunteering mission to contribute to a development project involving youth and education. I felt attracted and appreciative of PN’s project, values and activities. I think PN serves a major cause and has an effective impact on disadvantaged youths’ development in Asia. Volunteering was a great opportunity to discover a new culture, share my experience and my commitment with the teams. I am very proud of what we’ve achieved together. It was also a fantastic human experience and I enjoyed every single part of it!
Mickael GalibertI came here because I wanted to give back what I received until today. And as I’m a software engineer, what better way to do that than by volunteering for PN! Moreover, my company, Accenture, allows its employees, through its partnership with PN, to take solidarity leaves. I decided to take the jump and I do not regret it as everything here is about solidarity, trust, respect, responsibility and being demanding.
Yannick LesinI wanted to find a NGO based in Asia, which was helping underprivileged people to access education. Passerelles numériques seemed to be the best choice. And it was! During 6 months, I had the chance to share the little life moments of 47 students. Their happiness and motivation are incredible. This mission had a tremendous impact on my life. Now, I see the world differently with an open mind. I hope that one day I will come back to the Philippines and meet again these brilliant students and the wonderful staff.
Julie LaporteI started volunteering at Passerelles numériques when I became a young retiree. I was looking for an NGO operating in Cambodia, in the Education field and doing IT training, my professional expertise. Passerelles numériques fulfilled all these conditions! I am very happy to volunteer with PN France once a week. Teams have a great spirit and I’ve observed the very positive achievements, especially during a mission in Cambodia.
Jean-Pierre GérardI am in charge of animating the partnership between Econocom et Passerelles numériques so I really wanted to discover the NGO’s activities and daily life on the fields. I applied for a volunteering missing in 2014 in the Philippines. The highlights of this experience were the student’s family visits, the moments of sharing with the staff and a personal presentation I gave to the students and the staff about France and my family, followed by a Jacques Brel song led à cappella all together.
Estelle MilletI have always believed in PN’s mission to give opportunities to students who have none. Into rearing underprivileged youth so in turn they can inspire and make a big impact in their own community and the world. Into giving hope and enabling them to dream, that they can actually realize that dream. I decided to take action and volunteer in hopes that I could also help in making that happen.
Dan PantinopleI am used to work as a volunteer teacher during my holidays. Then, I decided to spend a longer period, sharing my knowledge, with an organization helping unprivileged persons. I met PN and it was an evidence! They were looking for someone to work with the education team on the developmental activities’ curriculum. I like working with curious and motivated students, with a great, very professional team who is not afraid of ambitious challenges. I share my skills and I receive so much!
Celine CombesI believe working in education is one of most meaningful careers, somehow it is like building the gateway for options and opportunities. Being part of PN Philippines family is giving the chance to open these Digital Gateways, through new technologies, innovation and professionalism.
Alberto ArcoWhen I heard about the partnership between Econocom and PN I was very appreciative of the NGO’s goals. I took the necessary steps to find a mission matching my skills and my profile. I wanted to contribute to the development of the NGO and be part of the large PN family!
Lindsay PionI’m convinced that education is the best way to make a long-term positive impact on the lives of individuals and society as a whole. I volunteered with PN to act on this conviction on behalf of the most disadvantaged members of our human family, knowing that education could serve its long-term purpose for them and that the experience would enrich my life with meaningful and humbling lessons.
Eva SheaI’ve been volunteering with Passerelles numériques since 2012. During my various missions, I’ve trained teachers and about 400 students on topics related to their web curriculum (programming, webtesting, SEO, etc.). I’m still in touch with many of them and I’m glad to see that they have a good job now. One of my best memories was to participate to a charity trip organized by alumni students. They collected money to buy school supplies for underprivileged students in a school of a remote province. They gave back what PN did for them.
Benjamin Balet