Cambodia Investment Review
After nine years of dedicated work, Prudence Foundation, the philanthropic and community investment arm of Prudential plc, supported by Prudential Cambodia and Plan International Cambodia, today announced the successful conclusion of its multi-year “Promoting Safe School Initiative in Cambodia” project.
The final phase (Phase III) culminated in a major milestone: the official handover of 36 newly designated “Safe Schools” in Siem Reap and Ratanak Kiri provinces to the Provincial Department of Education, Youth and Sports on October 9, 2025. The ceremony was honorably presided over by Her Excellency Khun Rachana, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, and His Excellency Bou Chanphirou, Director General of the Insurance Regulator of Cambodia (IRC), participated by more than 100 participants.
Funded by the Prudence Foundation and Plan International Hong Kong, with partners Plan International Cambodia, the Child Rights Foundation, and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the project has concluded with a total of 96 public schools in Ratanakiri, Siem Reap and Stung Treng province officially designated as safer and more resilient learning environments, benefiting a total of 74,869 people across its three phases.
Support From Government Agencies and Local Communities
This handover marks the successful completion of the initiative, which focused on strengthening disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and long-term sustainability to build school resiliency through increased ownership and support from government agencies and local communities.
“For the Insurance Regulator of Cambodia, our primary focus is ensuring the sustainable and responsible growth of the sector, fostering a shared commitment to developing the communities where we operate. I want to commend the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, Prudential Cambodia, the Prudence Foundation, and all collaborating partners for successfully implementing and promoting the Safe School Framework, thereby guaranteeing the enduring impact of this vital initiative.” Said H.E. Bou Chanphirou, Director General of the Insurance Regulator of Cambodia.
“I am thrilled to witness the real impact of the Safe School Program,” said Ponlu Tola, CEO of Prudential Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. “Our collective efforts have created safer learning environments, empowering students and communities to thrive. Seeing the transformation in these schools—from vulnerable facilities to resilient, supportive spaces—demonstrates the power of partnership and community engagement. We are proud to stand alongside our partners, local authorities, and families in building a brighter, more resilient future for Cambodia’s next generation.”
Phase I of the Safe School Initiative, launched in 2016, laid the groundwork for disaster risk reduction and school safety in Stung Treng province by training teachers, students, and local authorities. Phase II, from 2019 to 2022, expanded these efforts to more schools in Ratanak Kiri and Siem Reap, strengthened disaster preparedness and climate adaptation. Together, these two phases benefited 60 primary schools and thousands of children, creating a model for safe and resilient learning environments that being expanded in Phase III.
Building on the success of both phases, Phase 3 of the Promoting Safe Schools Initiative strengthened students’ and teachers’ knowledge of disaster preparedness and prevention, helping them become more climate resilient.
Support From Local Communities and Authorities
Mr. Yi Kimthan, Interim Country Director of Plan International Cambodia said that before the project implementation, most children used to be absent from school especially during rainy season. “The schools were often flooded, withstanding tropical storm, and deteriorated building thus students cannot study. In addition, most of school in our target areas were not safe for students, no fence, school roof was not strong and dead tree branches”, explained Kimthan.
With support from local communities and authorities, these schools now serve as models for school safety. All schools have developed sustainability plans and undergo biannual safety assessments to ensure continued progress.
“This initiative has significantly improved school conditions and established a Disaster Management Committee to ensure its long-term success. The safety of children is our utmost concern. Together, we’re paving the way for safer schools, stronger communities, and a more resilient Cambodia.” said Kimthan.
“Safe School” concept as essential for providing a learning environment that ensures students’ safety and grants them full opportunity for uninterrupted study. All Safe School initiatives implement the “Comprehensive School Safety (CSS) Framework”. The framework supports schools, management, teachers, students, the community, and all stakeholders to work together to mitigate disaster risks from all hazards (natural or human-caused), ensure a safe learning environment, establish a clear disaster management mechanism and integrate education on risk reduction and resilience to climate change.
“The Safe Schools programme has been a cornerstone of Prudence Foundation’s commitment to building resilience across the region. We are deeply grateful for the enduring collaboration with our partners in Cambodia, whose dedication over the years has helped safeguard thousands of school-going children and embed disaster preparedness into their education,” says Nicole Ngeow, Executive Director, Prudence Foundation.
Education Sector’s Strategic Plan and Policy Framework
The implementation of the CSS Framework provides numerous benefits, notably increased understanding and cooperation among all stakeholders. Achievements are seen as a result of good collaboration and the application of good practices. Support from partner organizations, the private sector, and the community has strengthened the schools’ commitment to the framework, which is seen as crucial for the successful implementation of the education sector’s strategic plan and policy framework.
“The implementation of the Safe School Framework aligns with and responds to several key national and regional frameworks: National Policies: Includes the Child-Friendly School Policy, Child Protection Policy, Education Sector Strategic Plan, and national plans related to Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, and regional and Global Frameworks: Responds to the Sendai Framework 2015-2030, the Comprehensive School Safety Framework 2022-2030, and the Law on Disaster Management 2015.” Said Mrs. Mao Tannavy, Deputy Chief of the Curriculum Development Department Office and Focal Point Officer for the Disaster Management Secretariat at MoEYS.
The project has also contributed to regional efforts by aligning with the Comprehensive Safe School Framework, helping Cambodia share its successes and learn from other countries.
