The Neeson Cripps Academy (NCA) will provide high quality education through enhanced learning spaces and a focus on STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). The building was designed by COOKFOX Architects, a renowned firm responsible for landmark buildings such as the Bank of America headquarters. They have created a building which will offer an optimal learning space within an environmentally friendly, solar powered building.
The five-story NCA will host 400 students, 30 teachers, 15 classrooms, 4 teacher workrooms, 2 international standard science labs, 2 computer labs, an art studio, a gallery space, a teacher training hub, e-learning facilities, a rooftop garden and a sports court. All are designed to work together to create a new generation of multi-skilled and fully rounded students.
“I arrived here in 2004 with the simple aim of getting children off of the appalling Steung Meanchey garbage dump and into school,” says Scott Neeson, CCF’s Founder and Executive Director. “Today, with a solid, developed-world education program in place, and so many students moving into secondary school and high school, we need to ensure a smooth path to university and into careers that challenge our youth and meet the demands of Cambodia’s fast growing economy. We knew the need and potential and Velcro Companies and the Cripps family brought the vision to life: a state-of-the art STEM learning centre. After twelve tough years working here, the Neeson Cripps Academy is a remarkable gift. The poorest children in Cambodia can now access the best education. I can’t thank the Cripps family and Velcro Companies enough for their support of CCF and Cambodian education”.
The building is named after Scott Neeson and Robert Cripps, former Velcro Companies Chairman. Robert Cripps says, “There are few things more fulfilling in life than helping someone’s dream take form and knowing that it will benefit many people for years to come. It was always Scott’s dream to have a place where kids in Steung Meanchey could pursue a high quality education in a holistic setting. The Neeson Cripps Academy is the fulfillment of that vision, and I am honored to have played a part in its development.”
Velcro Companies is a technology-driven organization that provides solutions for businesses and consumers around the world, and is committed to advancing education and improving the lives of children across the globe. Cambodian Children’s Fund has spent the last 12 years developing acclaimed education and community programs designed to transform former garbage workers into the leaders of tomorrow.
Fraser Cameron, CEO of Velcro Companies, says: “The Neeson Cripps Academy is a fitting honor for Robert Cripps, who led the company for many years and inspired its commitment to supporting education programs around the world. Making amazing connections is at the heart of our business, and CCF truly embodies that spirit.”
Rick Cook, founder at COOKFOX, says, “We set out to design the healthiest, safest and most effective school building possible that would help CCF to provide a world-class education. The design is inspire by Khmer culture, weaving together natural materials, and traditional building elements with high-performance sustainable building technologies to ensure an optimal learning environment. We are proud to have designed a building that will train the next generation of Cambodian’s brightest citizens.”
ABOUT CAMBODIAN CHILDREN’S FUND:
Cambodian Children’s Fund transforms the country’s most impoverished kids into tomorrow’s leaders by delivering education, family support and community development programs into the heart of Cambodia’s most impoverished communities.
CCF was set up by Scott Neeson, who left his role as President of 20th Century Fox International to head Sony Pictures International’s marketing operations. After visiting the Steung Meanchey garbage dump in Phnom Penh in 2003, Neeson saw hundreds of children and their families living and working on one of the most toxic environments imaginable. Following this experience, Neeson founded Cambodian Children’s Fund. Today there are more than 2,000 students working towards a better future for themselves and their families through CCF’s award-winning education program.
For more information visit, https://www.cambodianchildrensfund.org
ABOUT VELCRO COMPANIES:
Velcro Companies is a technology-driven, global organization providing fastening solutions that solve problems in simple, elegant and surprising ways for businesses and consumers around the world. We have a heritage of innovation spanning more than 50 years and own over 400 active patents and numerous trademarks, including the VELCRO® trademark, which is registered throughout the world. We develop and deliver solutions for customers through an integrated production and service system that includes manufacturing locations in the United States, Belgium, Canada, Mexico, Uruguay, Spain and China and sales offices around the world. To find out more about our company, visit www.velcro.com.
Note to editors:
At Velcro Companies, we are proud that VELCRO® brand products have become a part of everyday life, but that ubiquity sometimes produces confusion. The VELCRO® trademark should be used only when referring to genuine VELCRO® brand fasteners. Non-VELCRO® brand products should be identified by their functional terms, such as “hook and loop,” “self-adhesive straps,” and so forth. The VELCRO® mark should always be used as an adjective and never as a noun or a verb. The term “Velcro Companies” should be used when referring to our company and its executives.
The proper use of the VELCRO® trademark assists us in safeguarding the integrity of the VELCRO® brand, and helps to protect consumers from products incorrectly sold as VELCRO® brand products. For further information on the proper use of the VELCRO® trademark, please see the guidelines on our website.
ABOUT COOKFOX ARCHITECTS:
COOKFOX Architects is an an architectural studio dedicated to a vision of integrated, environmentally responsive design. We believe good design is sustainable and we are committed to being wise stewards of our shared natural and cultural resources. Guided by our passion for excellence, belief in the collaborative process, and persistent curiosity, COOKFOX pursues projects that allow us to fundamentally rethink how people interact with buildings and the natural environment.
Press contacts:
Velcro Companies
Julie Barry
jbarry@velcro.com
Bryant Park Financial Communications
Richard Mahony
rmahony@bryantparkfc.com
