Improved school infrastructure, as seen at Damnak Chang Ouer Primary School in Kep, brings dignity and hope to students and teachers alike.
In Cambodia, many schools face poor conditions, making learning uncomfortable and, at times, physically unsafe. Years of exposure to the elements and limited budgets for maintenance have left classrooms in disrepair, undermining both learning and well-being.
Children walk barefoot across cracked or dusty floors, risking illness from constant exposure. A broken chair or desk might cause injury. Without proper fences, some students are exposed to dangers beyond the schoolyard—wandering too close to busy roads or open water.
When classrooms crumble, so too can children’s confidence, focus, and joy in learning. Teachers, too, bear the burden—working hard to inspire hope in a difficult environment. Yet every child deserves to learn in a space that protects them, comforts them, and shows them they matter.
Co-Action: Renovating Schools, Empowering Minds
Under the EU co-funded CO-SAVED project, Action Education / Aide et Action (AEA) is transforming learning environments to make them safe and welcoming. In close collaboration with local authorities and school leaders, we prioritise community involvement in defining what it means to learn with dignity and in safety.
At Damnak Chang Ouer Primary School, this spirit found its champion in Principal Bun Rany, whose leadership turned vision into action. What was once a dusty, crumbling classroom now features clean, tiled floors. Brightly painted desks have replaced worn-out ones, and new fences not only mark the school boundaries—most importantly, they ensure the children’s safety.
This school is part of our Model School Initiative, supporting ten schools across Cambodia’s coastal provinces—two in Kep, three in Preah Sihanouk, four in Koh Kong, and one in Kampot. So far, twelve classrooms have been renovated, with more underway.
Co-Impact: Safer Schools, Stronger Communities
These upgrades have had a clear impact—clean, bright classrooms improve student focus, reduce absenteeism, and boost teacher morale. Tiled classrooms and clean benches provide a more hygienic and engaging learning space. Students now learn in cleaner, brighter, and safer schools. Above all, these improvements show students that their education is valued—and that they are not forgotten.
Together, we remain committed to creating safe, inclusive learning spaces across every corner of Cambodia’s coastal regions.
