Cambodia Investment Review
On March 26, the UK Government and the Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), officially launched two new educational projects aimed at enhancing foundational learning outcomes in Cambodia. These projects are part of the ASEAN-UK Supporting the Advancement of Girls’ Education (ASEAN-UK SAGE) Programme, a flagship initiative designed to improve access to quality education in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on girls and marginalized groups.
The first project, titled “Strengthening retention through Teaching at the Right Level” (TaRL), targets 500 students in grades 4 and 5 who are at risk of dropping out. In this pilot, students will be grouped according to their learning levels in reading and mathematics rather than their grade level, ensuring that each child receives the necessary support to succeed. By using the TaRL approach, the project aims to foster better learning outcomes, especially for children who may be falling behind in traditional classroom settings.
The second initiative, “Strengthening M&E Capacity for Improving Foundational Learning Outcomes,” will focus on assessing classroom practices and materials used in Grades 1 and 2. The project aims to provide evidence that can help improve teacher education programs at Phnom Penh and Battambang Teacher Education Colleges, as well as support the scaling up of the Department of Primary Education’s mentoring system. Additionally, the project will contribute to the development of early-grade reading materials to enhance learning for young students across Cambodia.
These projects will be delivered by ASEAN-UK SAGE partners, including the British Council, the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), and Pratham International, which will play a key role in the TaRL pilot.
International Support and Collaboration
Dominic Williams MBE, British Ambassador to Cambodia, expressed pride in the UK’s continued support for Cambodia’s development, particularly in the education sector. “I am proud that UK education is playing an important role in helping Cambodia prepare to graduate from Least Developed Country status and to sustain its phenomenal development journey. Our education institutions, like De Montfort University Cambodia, are helping ensure that Cambodia has access to professional and technical skills at the highest level,” Williams said. He also highlighted the importance of providing high-quality foundational learning to all Cambodian children, particularly those from marginalized groups, to enhance their economic opportunities.
Read More: Trade Mission To Boost Exports Of Cambodian Rice, Cashews And Dried Mangoes To The UK
Mr. Craig Farmer, Team Leader of the ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme, emphasized the excitement of working with Cambodia’s MoEYS on these pilot projects. “We are proud and excited to begin our work with Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport on the first pilot projects to come out of the ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme. We are looking forward to working with teachers and teacher educators across the country to improve basic reading and math outcomes for children in Southeast Asia,” he said.
Collaboration to Address Educational Challenges
H.E. Oung Borat, Secretary of State at MoEYS, underscored the significance of these projects in fostering international cooperation. “MoEYS is delighted to engage in meaningful international cooperation through the ASEAN–UK SAGE Programme alongside our dedicated partners — the SEAMEO Secretariat, the British Council, and the UK Government. These pilot projects underscore the significance of global collaboration in addressing critical educational challenges and ensuring sustainable, inclusive development for all learners in Cambodia,” Borat noted.
Datuk Dr Habibah binti Abdul Rahim, Director of SEAMEO Secretariat, also welcomed the partnership, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing the educational needs of Cambodia’s children. “The launch of these two pilot projects in Cambodia is a powerful testament to the collaborative spirit between MoEYS and the ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme partners. At SEAMEO Secretariat, we deeply value such cooperation, recognizing it as fundamental to delivering educational solutions that are both innovative and responsive to the real needs of learners, particularly girls and marginalized youth,” she said.
A Step Towards Educational Equity
Funded by UK International Development, the ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme aims to improve foundational learning across Southeast Asia, with a special focus on girls and marginalized groups. By developing effective policies and programs, the initiative seeks to overcome the barriers limiting educational attainment for these groups in ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, aligning with the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action.
Through collaboration between the UK Government, MoEYS, and key educational organizations, these projects represent a significant step towards improving educational access and quality for all children in Cambodia. With a focus on innovative solutions and targeted support, the initiatives aim to empower Cambodian students, helping them to achieve better learning outcomes and contribute to the country’s continued growth and development.
