Phnom Penh, April 8, 2025 — Over 150 education stakeholders from across Cambodia gathered at the Factory Phnom Penh for the 6th National Conference on “Transforming the Education Paradigm,” organized by the NGO Education Partnership (NEP) and its members and partners. The one-and-a-half-day event, held from April 7 to 8, brought together government officials, representatives from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), Ministry of Civil Service, provincial and district education offices, teachers, school principals, NGOs, CSOs, and private sector partners.
The conference provided a platform for diverse voices to reflect on progress, identify pressing challenges, and share practical strategies to ensure no learner is left behind. Discussions centered around six key areas: learning outcomes, flexible learning for out-of-school children, teacher pedagogy, early childhood education, community engagement, and inclusive and gender-transformative education.
Delivering the opening remarks, Ms. Hun Boramey, Chair of NEP’s Board, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of collaboration. “This conference is not just another event—it is a space where we challenge assumptions, share innovations, and foster accountability in transforming Cambodia’s education paradigm. Together, we must co-create a system that embraces inclusion, equity, and lifelong learning as core principles.”
Representing the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, H.E. Put Samith, Undersecretary of State, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the government. “We recognize the importance of civil society in bridging national policy and local realities. I commend NEP and its members for their continued efforts and look forward to receiving the conference summary report, which I will submit to the Minister of Education,” he stated.
The conference was rich with insights from both national experts and grassroots practitioners. Panel discussions highlighted innovative approaches, including remedial classes, play-based learning for children with disabilities, and strengthening teacher competencies using modern pedagogy.
Yi Khob, a school principal from Prasat Primary School in Siem Reap and first-time participant, shared his experience: “This is my first time attending an NEP conference. I am truly satisfied—it’s very important for schools. Sharing experiences like this is vital to improving our schools.”
He also reflected on valuable takeaways, including gaining experience as a speaker, understanding methods to support slow learners, applying innovative teaching strategies in early grades, and enhancing his understanding of gender-sensitive education.
The closing session concluded with a call to action for sustained collaboration across sectors. Mr. Mark Desmaele, NEP Board Member, reinforced the message of unity and momentum: “This conference is more than a meeting—it’s a movement. Let’s keep working together to transform education, so every Cambodian child has the chance to dream, learn, and thrive.”
With strong engagement from civil society, government, and development partners, the 6th National Conference reaffirmed NEP’s vision for a transformed education paradigm—one that prioritizes equity, quality, and lifelong learning for all.
