- Two national campaigns aim to reduce school dropout rates
- Focus on early childhood education and adolescent retention
- Supported by UNICEF, targeting the most vulnerable children
As the new school year begins in Cambodia this November, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), with support from UNICEF, has launched two national campaigns to help children stay in school and receive quality education from early years through adolescence.
Despite progress in enrolment and survival rates, dropouts remain high, especially at the lower secondary level. In 2024, around 15.5% of students left school before completing lower secondary, and only 60% finished this level. Early childhood education also faces challenges, with 30% of 5 year olds not enrolled in preschool.
To address these gaps, the two campaigns, 'Caring Parents, Smart Kids' and 'Your Choice, Your Future', will raise awareness, engage communities, and provide practical tools for families, teachers, and schools.
H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, said, “Education must be inclusive and accessible to every child”. He added, “These campaigns are part of our mission to build a resilient and fair education system”.
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The first campaign focuses on early childhood care, helping parents prepare young children for school through nutrition, play, and preschool readiness. The second campaign targets adolescents at risk of dropping out due to early marriage, work pressure, or low motivation, encouraging them to stay in school and plan for their future.
The campaigns will start in Ratanakiri, Siem Reap, and Kampong Cham, and will roll out nationwide via social media, radio, TV, and community outreach.
