Education in Cambodia

MoEYS (Cambodia)

Participation in education in Cambodia Using ICTs and Blended Learning

Education in Cambodia is a fundamental aspect of the nation's social fabric and development strategy. The Cambodian education system has undergone significant changes over the years, evolving from a traditional system influenced by Buddhism to a modern educational structure.

History

The history of education in Cambodia can be traced back to the Angkor period, where education was primarily conducted by Buddhist monks in Wats (temples). However, the education system was severely disrupted during the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, which decimated the country's educational infrastructure and intellectual resources. Following the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia has been on a path of educational reconstruction and reform.

Structure

The current structure of the Cambodian education system is divided into four main stages: pre-school, primary school, secondary school, and higher education.

Pre-school

Pre-school education in Cambodia is not compulsory and caters to children aged 3 to 5 years. It is provided by both public and private institutions.

Primary School

Primary education lasts for six years (Grade 1 to Grade 6) and is compulsory for all children. It focuses on basic literacy, numeracy, and other foundational skills.

Secondary School

Secondary education is divided into two cycles: lower secondary education (Grade 7 to Grade 9) and upper secondary education (Grade 10 to Grade 12). Completion of lower secondary education leads to the award of the Lower Secondary Diploma, while completion of upper secondary education leads to the award of the Baccalaureate Diploma.

Higher Education

Higher education in Cambodia is offered by universities and higher education institutions, including both public and private establishments. Higher education programs lead to the award of diplomas, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees.

Challenges

Despite progress, the education system in Cambodia faces several challenges, including limited access to education in rural areas, quality of education, teacher training, and resource constraints. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues through government initiatives and support from international organizations.

Recent Developments

Recent developments in Cambodian education include the implementation of the Education Strategic Plan (ESP), which aims to improve access to education, enhance the quality of education, and ensure the relevance of education to the labor market. Additionally, there has been an increased focus on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education to improve teaching and learning processes.

Conclusion

Education in Cambodia has made significant strides in recovery and development since the devastation of the Khmer Rouge era. While challenges remain, the commitment of the Cambodian government and the support of the international community signal a positive trajectory towards achieving an inclusive and quality education system for all Cambodian children.