Cambodia & Education: PM Hun Manet, “We need to achieve a consistent level of teaching quality”

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has reaffirmed that the Royal Government, through the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, is working to raise the standards of schools nationwide to achieve a consistent level of teaching quality.

The Prime Minister was speaking during his meeting with primary school teachers in Kampong Chhnang province on Saturday morning (27 July)

Prime Minister Hun Manet stressed that the Royal Government's implementation of key education policies has begun with primary schools. As a first step, 42 primary schools from nine provincial capitals will be selected to gain experience and improve quality.

"Our primary school learning standards are the same, but practices and student standards vary. In the future, we will strive for uniform standards. However, we already see many schools across the country developing good standards and becoming model schools. The most prominent example is Wat Bo School in Siem Reap. If we could compile the successful practices from this school and disseminate them to all schools nationwide, it would be very beneficial," said Prime Minister Hun Manet.

The PM stressed that while the initial focus of the Key Education Measures is on primary education, this does not mean that the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports is neglecting the strengthening of kindergartens or secondary schools in terms of curriculum and quality. Teachers at all levels need to improve their knowledge and moral virtues.

The Royal Government had previously established the National Committee to Promote the Implementation of Key Measures in Education, chaired by Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senior Minister Pich Sophoan. The Secretariat is responsible for leading, coordinating and filling gaps in the education sector to achieve the goals of these key measures.

To date, 22 retired school principals have been selected to provide support, sharing of experiences and practical training to 42 target schools from nine provincial capitals. This initiative is based on the principles of volunteerism and a high sense of responsibility

The main activities of the secretariat include selecting schools, setting primary school goals, selecting trainers, compiling successful school achievements, providing training for trainers, implementing support courses for target schools, and monitoring and evaluating results.