In September 2024, Cambodia’s 5th National Conference on Transforming Education Paradigm emphasized the theme of “Equal Opportunity: Same School, Same Teacher, Same Learning Outcome.” With 99.6% primary school enrollment achieved, the country faces pressing challenges in educational quality, inclusivity, and equity. Alarming gaps in learning outcomes—only 12% proficiency in mathematics and 8% in reading—along with limited access for students with disabilities, underscore these challenges.
The conference brought together policymakers, educators, civil society, and development partners to address these issues and propose solutions aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4. Key recommendations included:
- Expanding access for children with disabilities through improved infrastructure, teacher capacity building, and better policy monitoring.
- Enhancing multilingual education by increasing resources for indigenous students and revising teacher training programs.
- Addressing gender parity by mainstreaming gender issues into education and exploring legislative measures.
- Strengthening teacher performance through reforms in training and support systems.
- Improving school governance and disaster preparedness for climate resilience.
- Supporting socio-economic challenges with scholarships, vocational training, and a long-term social protection policy.
The event also highlighted the importance of lifelong learning (LLL), proposing the creation of Learning Cities in Cambodia to promote flexible, community-driven education models. These efforts aim to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
This milestone event was supported by NEP, with contributions from multiple stakeholders committed to transforming education in Cambodia.
