In Paris, Ermine De-Rose Norodom Receives the Education for Life Hope Award 2026
Ermine De-Rose Norodom received the Education for Life Hope Award 2026 in Paris on 12 September, in recognition of her work with Cambodian communities through Shanty Town Spirit.
The award ceremony took place at the Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione. The Hope Award honours Ermine's long-standing commitment on the ground, centred on education and empowering people who lack access to professional training.
Backed by Intercoiffure Mondial, the Education for Life programme funds training projects in several countries. In Cambodia, in partnership with Intercoiffure Suisse and Arya Kim Vong Salon & Beauty, it has trained 20 people in hairdressing and beauty professions.
For Ermine, this kind of training goes beyond learning a trade: it restores confidence and opens up a new professional path.
A New Chapter: the Community Empowerment & Learning Hub
Shanty Town Spirit is now preparing a larger project in Phnom Penh: the Community Empowerment & Learning Hub. The idea is to bring together, under one roof, free English classes, professional training, hands-on and creative workshops, and support for women, young people and families.
Until now, the association has mainly run one-off programmes on the ground. The Hub marks a shift in scale: a permanent space, rooted in the community for the long term.
A Call for Partners
The project is now looking for support to get off the ground — companies, foundations or individuals wanting to get involved in Cambodia.
For Ermine, the Hope Award is not an endpoint, but a springboard for what comes next:
"This award represents everyone who believed in our projects and who stands with us. Today, we want to go further with the Community Empowerment & Learning Hub and build this project with everyone who wants to join us."
Discover Shanty Town Spirit and the Community Empowerment & Learning Hub project: 🌐 www.shantytownspirit.org
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