Phnom Penh: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on October 31, 2024, approved a $ 80 million loan to strengthen secondary education in Cambodia, focusing on “21st century” skills such as deep thinking and creativity. Eco-education for both male and female students and pioneering for post-secondary education.
According to an ADB press release, the secondary education project to strengthen human capital competitiveness will increase the number of climate-resilient school buildings (including 400 additional classrooms) to address overcrowding. In the classroom and expand access to quality secondary education.
Jyotsana Varma, ADB Country Director for Cambodia, said: “Cambodia needs to accelerate the transition to high value-added economic activities, especially technology-driven activities, to maintain global competitiveness and strengthen its remarkable economic growth. In the past.
She said a skilled workforce and education were the basic requirements for achieving this goal. Based on ADB’s ongoing investment in education and skills development, this project aims to expand the potential of Cambodia’s young population to boost future economic growth.
The actual enrollment rate for high school is still low at only 35.5% in Cambodia due to factors such as inadequate school buildings and the family economy, especially for boys who have to contribute to family income. Teachers need additional training and support to develop skills and abilities to meet the needs of current students. In addition, students with special needs face greater barriers to accessing quality secondary education.
Please note that this project will improve access to education, especially for students with learning disabilities, through the development of assistive technology and support for special education secondary schools. The project will promote education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects to prepare a skilled workforce for the future in line with industry needs.
