By: Uth Raksmey Chhuon Kongieng
PHNOM PENH – Aide et Action Cambodia (AEA) NGO has provided study materials and food to 500 schools in nine provinces, increasing the number of displaced children who have enrolled as border clashes continue.
The photo shows displaced children receiving study materials to support their education at Hun Sen Khnach Romeas Primary School in Battambang Province. Photo: Lay Long
Oun Chanthou, 8, is one of 200 students who are continuing their studies at Hun Sen Khnach Romeas Primary School in Battambang province. Chanthou was moved to a camp in Bavel district without any study materials.
She received books, bags and clothes through Aide et Action. Now, she can continue Grade 3.
Chanthou said she is happy to learn and make new friends, motivated by encouragement that studying can help her overcome hardship.
“My mother told me to study so that I would be educated and not suffer like her. She only studied up to Grade 1 and had to stop because she didn’t have the money to continue,” Chanthou said.
She also wants to become a teacher, as her mother wishes, and become a human resource to help develop her community.
Oun Chanthou, 8, is a displaced student who is studying in grade 8 at Hun Sen Khnach Romeas Primary School in Battambang province. Photo Lay Long.
Vorn Samphors, country director of Aide et Action Cambodia, said the conflict had created an education crisis, and poor families face significant challenges in supporting their children’s education.
“The conflict can impact Cambodian children mentally, causing fear and fright. Children lose the opportunity to learn, need to repeat a grade, or drop out of school. The quality of education has also declined,” he said.
Samphors said parents’ understanding and their willingness to send their children to school at safe sites were crucial for their children’s future.
He hopes the learning resources will attract and encourage both children and parents. He urged Thailand to stop the conflict, saying it affects children from both countries and creates an embarrassing history when viewed against the core purpose of ASEAN, of which Thailand is also a founding member.
He said the conflict remains uncertain and has resulted in significant damage. The immediate priority is to bring children and young people back to education, while damaged schools need to be restored later.
“I encourage parents and children to understand that falling into a lack of education causes long-term hardship,” he said.
“They must overcome difficulties and attend classes at the nearest safe sites, whether displaced children are living in camps or with relatives.”
Samphors also called for more support from charities, which can donate study materials and food to help children and volunteer teachers through provincial departments of education.
He prioritized these supplies because they help students and teachers remain committed to learning and teaching.
“After we implemented the project, the number of students registering at schools in Banteay Meanchey has increased significantly. One school’s enrollment rose from just over ten to 200 students, while others increased to 300 and 500,” he said.
Samphors hopes that authorities and the government will support children’s education, as it is essential for the country’s long-term development.
Aide et Action Cambodia has collaborated with local authorities and the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport to provide study materials for children and teachers. In the camps, they also built temporary classrooms and provided food for children.
The organization has supported more than 500 schools with study materials in nine provinces, including Koh Kong, Pursat, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear and Battambang.
The other target provinces are Kampong Thom, Kampot and Preah Sihanouk. Aide et Action will continue its mission across Cambodia, Samphors said.
According to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, 16,695 displaced students had enrolled temporarily in 2,000 schools across 24 provinces as of December 22.
As of December 17, school closures had reached 1,091, affecting 254,480 students and 11,922 teachers in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Koh Kong, Battambang, and Siem Reap provinces.
Many students in temporary shelter camps are getting emergency lessons in makeshift tents, though the numbers are not known.
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.
Disclaimer: This article was first published on the Cambodianess News website and is reproduced here with permission. Click here to access the original post.
