Welcome Remarks & Honorable Guests
Boramey Hun
Chair of Board and Country Director of ChildFund Cambodia
Boramey Hun, NEP Board Chair since late 2022, joined as a member in 2021 and was re-elected in 2023. Her strategic guidance along with the rest of the Board Members has significantly shaped NEP's direction and governance. Boramey is passionate about NEP's mission to amplify the voices of Education CSOs in Cambodia, informing policy dialogues to ensure universal access to education and strengthen educational systems.
In her full-time role, Boramey serves as Country Director of ChildFund Cambodia, where child education is one of a priority sectors. Her extensive experience includes positions as VSO's Business Pursuit Lead for Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and the Philippines, and as Country Director of ActionAid International Cambodia.
Kirsty Jane Milev
Program Quality Director, World Vision International Cambodia
She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from York University, Canada, and a Master's Degree in Development Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK. Kirsty has over 14 years of experience ensuring quality child protection and social work programs in South-East Asia, She has built the safeguarding capacity of organizations, partners, and consultants in Cambodia and Indonesia and led evidence- building capacity building and project evaluation consultancies for Oxfam, Habitat for Humanity and Samatapheap Khnom Organization. She has been living and working in Cambodia for the past ten years and is currently leading the Program Quality Department of World Vision- Cambodia, strengthening integration, assuring assuring quality programming and evidence building in Education, Child Protection and Participation, and Integrated Nutrition (including WASH, Livelihoods, and Climate Action); as well as mainstreaming Advocacy, GEDSI, Disaster Management and Climate Action throughout World Vision-Cambodia
H.E. Put Samith, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport
H.E. Put Samith serves as Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS). His career is distinguished by both grassroots experience as a high school teacher and extensive policy development expertise. He has played a critical role in drafting and implementing key education policy planning documents.
His robust academic background includes a Bachelor's degree from the Royal University of Phnom Penh (1992), a diploma in Education Planning & Management from the International Institute of Education Planning & Management, Paris (1998), and a Master's degree in Education Planning & Management from RUPP (2007).Diagnostic of Low Learning Outcome
YOENG Kimheng
Education Out Loud Coordinator
Kimheng joined NEP in December 2023 as the EOL Project Coordinator. With NEP, Kimheng strengthens a knowledge management system “called Policy Bank” and conducts CSO mapping to identify implementation program and capacity gaps. He coordinates with NEP members to develop policy brief, statement, spotlight report, online talkshow, and promote them. Kimheng is working on developing an effective monitoring evaluation system framework in the education field with consultants. At the 6th National Conference, he will present a low learning outcomes diagnostic produced by consultation with NEP members, education stakeholders at the provincial level, and students to open the floor for a panel discussion on learning outcomes.
1. Panel Discussion on enhancing School Ecosystem to Improve Learning Outcomes
Long Sina
Advocacy and Partnership Manager, United World School (UWS)
Long Sina is currently an Advocacy and Partnership Manager with UWS Cambodia. He engages in coordination between schools, communities and governments on strengthening school accountability and governance and promoting inclusive and quality education. In 2022 he worked for NGO Education Partnership (NEP) on coordinating NGO working groups on early childhood, primary education, education and disability, non-formal education, teacher and school reforms to exchange ideas and advocate on the education policy gaps.
Long Sina holds a master's degree in English Teaching, a bachelor's degree in English for Communication, and an associate's degree in English Literature.
Oeurn Bora
Project Manager with Happy Cambodian Children (HCC) under KAPE
Mr. Oeurn Bora has 20 years of experience in teaching and 15 years working in the NGO sector. His work has included providing leadership training and coaching to various school stakeholders, including teachers, principals, Departments of Education (DOE), and Provincial Offices of Education (POE). Mr. Oeurn Bora has applied the six dimensions of a child-friendly school (CFS) and has collaborated on initiatives related to early childhood education, primary education, education for children with disabilities, and non-formal education. He holds a Master's degree in Educational Science. His previous experience includes working with Handicap International, Save the Children, and Kampuchean Action to Promote Education (KAPE). Additionally, Mr. Oeurn Bora has been serving as the Chairman of the Education Sector Working Group (ESWG) in Tboung Khmum province since 2021.
Sorn SaoOun
School Director, SraeMa Primary School
He began his teaching career at Saeng Ma Primary School in Stung Treng Province in 2017. He has served as a teacher for eight years and as school director for four, contributing significantly to the school's development. Under his leadership, Saeng Ma Primary School has seen notable improvements in infrastructure and educational management, including the establishment of essential facilities and the enhancement of the learning environment. He is currently leading the school through the GIEP-AF project, aimed at achieving model school standards. His areas of expertise include staff management and community engagement for school development.
Hang Samnang
Head of the Siem Pang District Education Office
He brings over two decades of dedicated experience in educational leadership. He launched his career as an English teacher in 2003, subsequently transitioning to the District Education Office in 2009 to drive initiatives in Non-Formal Education, including vocational literacy and skills training. Backed by a Bachelor's degree from the Cambodian University of Specialists and a Master's degree in Educational Administration from the National Institute of Education, Mr. Samnang holds a robust academic foundation. Appointed Head of the District Education Office in 2014, he has since developed extensive expertise in educational management, leadership, and program implementation, with a particular emphasis on Child-Friendly School initiatives and ICT integration—both critical for modernizing and enhancing educational outcomes.
Out Sarang
Education Technical Director, School-Based Management, Save the Children
Sarang has been working with Save the Children since 2012 for two successive positions of Education Program Manager and Technical Director. He has extensive experience in leading and managing Education Program, ranging from Early Childhood Education to Primary Education, and Secondary Education, in the contexts of development, emergency, gender and disability inclusion. This includes working with government authorities, donors, private sector, NGO partners, academic institutions and grass-root level organizations on large scale projects. Before moving to Save the Children, he had led and managed a local NGO for eight years. Sarang has been familiar with and joined TE Teams of Save the Children’s Common Approaches, such as Building Brains, Enabling Teachers, Literacy Boost, Numeracy Boost, Ready to Learn, and Safe Schools. Sarang – thanks to academic backgrounds and work experience – has practical skills in organizational leadership and management, program and project design, planning, management, research, monitoring and evaluation, training and teaching, vocational skill training and apprenticeship, micro-credit for vulnerable community, health education, WASH, livelihoods and income generating activities. Sarang has made a significant contribution to the development and implementation of School-Based Management in Cambodia, through training material design and capacity building to the trainers from MoEYS, PoEs, DoEs, School Principals and NGO technical staff.
Sar Sarin,
Deputy Director of EQID, Ministry of Education Youth and Sport
Mr. SARIN Sar is the current Deputy Director of Education Quality Inspection Department (EQID), Ministry of Education Youth and Sport of the Kingdom of Cambodia. He has been serving as Educational Official for 26 years with professional background in Education Leadership, General Management and Educational Assessment. Mr. SARIN completed Bachelor of English in 2003 and Mater of General Management in 2012 at Build Bright University, Cambodia. He has been attending the program for Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Leadership (Ph.D.-EAL) since 2020 at Beltie International University, Cambodia.
2. Panel Discussion on flexible learning for out of school children Strengthening the Implementation of remedial classes
Prum Rithy
Education Specialist, World Vision International, Cambodia
Rithy Prum is an education professional focused on primary school development and inclusive education. He works with World Vision International Cambodia and collaborates with the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS) to advance teacher training, curriculum development, early grade learning, and community engagement. His commitment to empowering vulnerable children and fostering educational equity has made him a valuable contributor to Cambodia’s education sector.
Yi Khob
School Principal, Prasat Primary School in Siem Reap
Mr. Yi Khob serves as the dedicated School Director of Prasat Primary School in Siem Reap Province, where he has demonstrated a strong commitment to educational development since 2017. With a career spanning over two decades, Mr. Khob brings a wealth of experience, beginning as a teacher at Khnar Primary School in Oddar Meanchey Province from 2003 to 2006, and subsequently serving as Deputy Director of Prasat Primary School from 2006 to 2017. Since assuming his current role, he has spearheaded significant improvements at Prasat Primary School, driving continuous development and enhancing the learning environment for students, particularly since 2019.
Long Sanrity
Deputy Director, Director of Damnok Toek Organization
Mr. Long Sanrithy serves as the Deputy Director and Poipet Branch Director of Damnok Toek Organization, where he has dedicated over two decades to supporting vulnerable children. Since joining Damnok Toek in 2000, he has led critical interventions for children affected by trafficking, exploitation, abuse, substance abuse, migration, and those who are out of school or at risk of dropping out. Mr. Sanrithy's work directly addresses the conference's focus on inclusive education and flexible learning practices for marginalized children. His extensive experience in advocacy and community outreach has fostered strong collaborations with key government ministries, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, all to improve the lives of Cambodia's most at-risk youth.
Yinseng Someth
Education Program Manager, Aide et Action
Mr. Someth Yinsieng serves as the Education Program Manager at Aide et Action Cambodia. In this role, he coordinates projects in partnership with consortium members and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) to enhance access, participation, and learning outcomes for children. With expertise in education planning, management, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E), Mr. Someth has a proven track record of leading and coordinating various initiatives aimed at improving educational quality and ensuring inclusive access for children, youth, and adults. He has successfully collaborated with the MoEYS and other ministries, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), UNESCO, and other donor agencies to achieve these goals.
Thea Chenda
Education Program Manager, United World School
Mr. Thea Chenda is dedicated to expanding access to quality education in remote and marginalized communities. Leveraging his extensive background in education management, child protection, and gender equality, gained through diverse NGO experience and work with the Provincial Office of Education, he contributes to UWS's mission of empowering children and transforming lives.
Soeung Sopha
Director of the PSE General Education Department, PSE
Soeung Sopha, holding a doctoral degree in Education from Hiroshima University, serves as General Education Director at Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE), whose mission is to help unprivileged children from destitution to a vocation. He has 30-year experience in education. He’s passionate about cultivating a sharing culture, and a community for learning.
3. Improving the pedagogical skills and subject matter knowledge of in-service teachers
Sem Sochentra
Education Specialist
Mr. Sochentra is an education professional focused on primary school development and inclusive education. collaborates with the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS) to advance teacher training, curriculum development, early grade learning, and community engagement. His commitment to empowering vulnerable children and fostering educational equity has made him a valuable contributor to Cambodia’s education sector.
Chan Tola
Director of Teacher Development Department, MoEYS
Mr. CHAN Tola is responsible for managing and promoting the implementation of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) policies for education personnel. His work includes developing training plans, enhancing teacher and school director qualifications to meet school and digital technology needs, managing data, assessing training needs, developing modern training programs, coordinating with national and international partners, monitoring CPD program quality, and providing recognition for educational staff qualifications. He is dedicated to advancing teacher capacity development initiatives and promoting teacher career advancement.
Sao Bunthoeun
Project manager, Food for Education Project, World Education
Mr. SAO Bunthoeun is a Basic Education curriculum and teacher training expert with over 25 years of experience. He has led national literacy initiatives, developed teacher training materials, and managed large-scale education projects. Holding a Master’s in Education from Simon Fraser University, he specializes in capacity-building and instructional program implementation.
Son Nat
Executive Director, Teacher Development Support Organization (TDSO)
Son Nat, the Executive Director of the Teacher Development Support Organization (TDSO), holds a Master's degree in TESOL from the University of Canberra, Australia. In his leadership role, he oversees daily operations, manages budgets, and cultivates stakeholder relationships while ensuring financial sustainability through strategic fundraising. Son Nat's expertise helps a lot in team development, particularly in coaching staff to develop and implement curricula for teacher training programs and TDSO's practice school. He also guides the quality management team in developing comprehensive quality assurance systems. Supervising staff, aligning programs with TDSO's mission, and representing the organization publicly exemplifies his commitment to enhancing education quality through effective teacher development and organizational leadership.
Chan Sok Ieng
Senior Literacy Program Manager, Room to Read
Chan Sok Ieng holds a Master of Educational Leadership from New Zealand. He oversees Literacy Program implementation, designs curriculum (including instruction methodology and professional development), and provides technical assistance to MoEYS to integrate early grade learning packages into pre-service syllabuses for TEC and PTTCs.
4. Expand and Improve Early Childhood Education to meet standard
Nhem Somaly
Education and ECCD specialist, Bandos Komar
Mrs. Nhem Somaly has Master's Degree in Education from Royal University of Phnom Penh and a pedagogical training from National Institute of Education, Moral Civic and Khmer Literature and a pedagogy for preschool in 2005. She is a doctoral candidate at RUPP. She is currently working as an Education and ECCD specialist for Bandos Komar Association and she has led the multi-discipline teams of technical officers on ECCD, Basic Education, Nutrition and health. She has more than 10 years experience working particularly in the ECCD sector: curriculum development, develop relevant guidelines, manuals, trainings, and IEC materials, trainer for community preschool teacher, state preschool teacher, parenting education, positive parenting, maturing care framework moreover, she also led to producing learning and teaching material for preschool, parenting and she also has experiences on research, evaluation and baseline survey. Mrs Nhem Somaly has extensive experience with NGOS, IOS, and as lecturer at university/colleges and freelance consultant.
Sotheany Sou
Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Accountability (MEAL) officer , CRS
Sotheany Sou is a Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Accountability (MEAL) officer who has more than 15+ of experiences in this field of expertise at both NGO and INGO, oversee various of program quality such as health, DRR, and education. Her expertise and profession have produced many outstanding program reports, assessments, baseline/endline, and research for diverse topic-which recently accomplished the inclusive education research focus on “Measure Learning Outcomes from a Play-Based Learning for Children with Disabilities”. Additionally, she plays a pivotal role in managing program and be part of the business development for Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
5. Plenary Session on Support Parental and Community Engagement
Peou Vanna
Country Director, DVVI
Mrs. Peou Vanna, the Country Director of DVVI in Cambodia, is dedicated to uplifting communities to live with dignity and peace. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYs) and key stakeholders, DVVI Cambodia has transformed Community Learning Centers (CLCs) and youth centers into vibrant Lifelong Learning Centers (LLLCs). These centers provide essential Adult Learning and Education (ALE), empowering individuals to take control of their futures and enrich their lives.
Khem Soleil
Building Futures Coordinator, Mith Samlanh
Ms. Khem Soleil serves as the Building Futures Coordinator at Mith Samlanh, where she plays a crucial role in addressing the immediate needs of marginalized Cambodian children and youth up to 24 years old, and their families. With Mith Samlanh, a member of the Friends-Alliance network and a partner of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) since 2010, Ms. Soleil focuses on empowering these individuals to become functional and productive citizens. Her work involves coordinating programs that directly support vulnerable youth, leveraging the organization's established partnerships and resources to create lasting positive change.
Soeng Chara
Head of Operations, ISF Cambodia
She holds a Master of Law in Public Administration from the Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE) and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from IIC University of Technology. She is currently serving as the Head of Operations at ISF Cambodia, where she oversees school operations and community development programs aimed at increasing educational access for underprivileged children and empowering local communities to break the cycle of poverty. With 16 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she has contributed to a wide range of programs, including community development, child protection, natural resource management, social inclusion and gender equality, good governance, and education.
6. Plenary Session on Fostering Inclusive Education: Promoting Gender Equality and Inclusion for All
Choun Davit
GESSI Specialist, UWS Cambodia
Ms. CHOUN Davit is the GEDSI Specialist at UWS Cambodia. She holds a Master’s Degree in Development Management and has over a decade of experience in rural development management. Her eight years of specialized focus on promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment span both public and private sectors, working to ensure women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals can exercise their rights, access justice, and achieve equality. Ms. Davit’s expertise includes gender-based violence prevention, addressing sexual harassment, and enhancing disability inclusion into GBV response services, fostering a more equitable society.
Yuan Xu
Education Specialist, UNESCO
Yuan Xu is an Education Analyst at the UNESCO Phnom Penh Office, where she supports the Education team with a focus on teacher development, non-formal education and skills development. Her work spans project coordination, policy support, and capacity building, with a commitment to advancing inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities.
Yuan brings experience from multiple UNESCO offices across Asia and Africa. Prior to her current role, she served at UNESCO Namibia, leading initiatives in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), lifelong learning, and coordinating intersectoral projects on indigenous education and refugee inclusion. She also supported the teacher development work with UNESCO Afghanistan and contributed to regional education policy and planning efforts with UNESCO Asia-Pacific Regional office in Thailand. Beyond UNESCO, Yuan has worked with UNICEF, Plan International, and education-focused think tanks, university programmes and consultancies. She co-founded a local education NGO in her hometown of Zigong, China, which continues to support youth empowerment initiatives.
Yuan holds a Master’s degree in International Educational Development from Columbia University (USA) and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Amsterdam (the Netherlands).
Tel Chandi
Gender Equality Disabilitiy and Social Inclusion, ChildFund
Chandi is a passionate advocate for Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in education, currently working with ChildFund to promote inclusive learning opportunities for all. With a strong commitment to equity and empowerment, Chandi has dedicated their career to fostering environments where marginalized communities can thrive.
Before joining ChildFund, Chandi played a key role at CARE Cambodia, working to enhance worker well-being and promote gender equality and social inclusion within the garment sector. Through strategic initiatives and community engagement, Chandi has contributed to improving labor conditions and ensuring that workers, especially women, have access to fair treatment, opportunities, and support systems.
With extensive experience in program development, advocacy, and capacity building, Chandi continues to drive meaningful change, championing a future where education and workplace environments are more inclusive, equitable, and empowering for all.
Pheng Samnang
Executive Director, DDSP
Mr. Pheng Samnang is currently the Executive Director of Disability Development Services Program (DDSP) since 2006. He graduated a Master Degree in General Management. For almost 20 years with both national and international organizations; he gained and experienced organizational and project management. He has worked in a wide range of community development through improving Community-Based Inclusive Development, Inclusive Education, Vocational training, Communication and Advocacy, involving in project research, developing/consulting policies and national strategic plans for development work. Learning and sharing never ends for him to upgrade knowledge and experience for improving his working quality for inclusive education/development. During this time; he has been invited to participate and sharing experience for both National and International workshop/Conference.
Closing ceremony: Call for action
Florence May Cortina (Maya)
Education out Loud Coordinator, Asia South Pacific Association For Basic And Education (ASPBAE)
Mark Desmaele
Board of Director of NEP; Director of TDSO
Mark is one of the co-founders of the organisation. After over 30 years in international companies as logistics manager, head of corporate business data and processes and as a CIO, he decided to turn his life around and dedicate his experience to supporting educational projects in Cambodia
Vorn Samphors
Country Director, Aide et Action
Vorn Samphors is the Country Director of Aide et Action Cambodia. With over 15 years of experience in development program management, he joined Aide et Action in 2010 and has since spearheaded significant growth in the organization's educational initiatives. Under his leadership, the number of educational projects expanded from three, operating in five provinces, to nine, reaching 25 provinces within just five years. Mr. Samphors has been recognized by the Royal Government of Cambodia for his contributions to education and disability development, receiving the Maha Seri Vadh Medal in 2012 and the Gold Labor Medal in 2009. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and a Master's degree in General Management (Cambodia), and completed a postgraduate program in Educational Leadership at Australian Catholic University. He has also served as a lecturer at several Cambodian universities and as a technical advisor and manager for numerous local and international NGOs