By: Chhuon Kongieng
PHNOM PENH – Aide et Action Cambodia (AEA) is providing study materials and clothes for displaced children in border provinces to prevent them from dropping out or losing motivation during school closures.
Aide et Action Cambodia supported displaced children with studying materials at a primary school in Battambang province. Photo: Aide et Action Cambodia
Eng Samreth, director of the Provincial Association of Local Councils for Pursat Province, said the study materials do more than attract students because they address the immediate needs of children during this period of displacement.
He said that when students moved from their home district of Veal Veng to safe shelters, they longed to continue their studies but faced many challenges.
“Displaced families could not even bring enough clothes to wear, nor books and other living materials. But with support from AEA Cambodia, the children remain eager to learn,” he said.
Meas Phirun, deputy head of the Battambang Provincial Department of Education, Youth, and Sport, said that receiving study materials and clothes from Aide et Action Cambodia encourages students to continue their education.
She said that around 1,886 students had registered to study in Battambang province as of December 16.
Vorn Samphors, head of Aide et Action Cambodia, said the organization hopes that providing schools and study supplies will ensure students can quickly resume learning in temporary schools.
“It helps prevent students from wasting time and encourages them to make new friends at their temporary schools,” he said.
The three also urged displaced guardians to take their children to nearby schools so they can continue their studies.
Eng Samreth, director of the Provincial Association of Local Councils for Pursat Province, and Vorn Samphors, head of Aide et Action Cambodia, along with other local officers, delivered the study materials for displaced students. Photo: Uth Raksmey
Displaced students do not need registration documents and can continue in the same grade as before.
Aide et Action Cambodia will provide bags, clothes, books and other learning materials to Battambang, Pursat, Koh Kong, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Siem Reap provinces.
Currently, displaced students are studying in safe schools, following the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport’s order to temporarily enroll in schools near safe havens on December 11.
School closures had affected seven provinces, forcing 1,091 schools and 254,480 students with 11,922 teachers to suspend classes as of December 17.
Jade McCulloch is director of engagement at Educate A Child programme of Education Above All Foundation.
Sopheak SREY is communication and partnership manager at Action Education in Cambodia.
Education Above All Foundation, with its partner Action Education, supports efforts to ensure displaced children have access to quality education.
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