WeWorld’s intervention aims to promote education and child protection in 77 schools in Cambodia. Thanks to the support of private donors through long-distance sponsorships, we implement these projects in the provinces of Mondulkiri and Varin. Additionally, the Long Distance Sponsorships allow us to carry out the REACH project in the provinces of Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Pursat and Kampong Chhnang, in collaboration with the local organization KAPE (Kampuchea Action to Promote Education).

Despite the high level of economic growth, Cambodia remains a country with deep social divisions, where an individual’s geographical location often determines their access to basic services. One of the sectors most affected is education: The country experiences a dropout rate of 7.2% during primary school years, which more than doubles to 16.6% in lower secondary school. These levels of school dropout have evident consequences: 66% of young people are unable to read even the national language. However, these deficiencies are not solely explained by school dropout, they also stem from the low educational quality provided by school curricula. All these factors contribute to a vicious cycle in which low attendance leads to public disinvestment in schools, resulting in deteriorating facilities and overcrowding, while community donations for self-financing remain scarce due to the quality of service provided.

In summary, the main challenges in the Cambodian education sector are as follows:

  • Financial difficulties faced by less affluent families in covering school-related costs for their children, such as meals, transportation, and school materials (books, uniforms, etc.). In some situations, limited economic resources lead parents to ask their children to contribute to family work activities, preventing regular school attendance.
  • High rate of students repeating the year and at risk of dropping out, without access to support tools to continue their education.
  • Systematic use of contract teachers lacking the necessary qualifications for their positions.
  • Lack of sanitary facilities meeting minimum health requirements.
  • Poorly maintained school facilities and outdated or deteriorated teaching materials, insufficient in terms of quantity and quality for effective educational activities.

Activities

  • We provide support for school access to the most vulnerable children through scholarships, delivery of school materials, and bicycles.
  • We enhance the school environment by renovating classrooms where lessons take place, improving sanitary facilities to make them dignified and safe, constructing playgrounds to allow recreational activities, and implementing organic gardens. These gardens not only develop children’s soft skills but also serve to support their school breakfasts.
  • We organize capacity-building activities for teachers and school directors through regular training sessions and workshops, aiming to enhance their teaching and managerial skills.
  • We empower communities through meetings among parents, teachers, school directors, village leaders, and local authorities, ensuring effective communication among all stakeholders, promoting quality education, and ensuring project sustainability.