- Over 1.7 million Cambodian children to benefit from stronger literacy, numeracy, and school infrastructure.
- $105 million funding to expand preschool, improve teaching quality, and support working mothers.
- Project to build 900 new classrooms, train 37,000 teachers, and promote early learning nationwide.
In a major boost to Cambodia’s education sector, the World Bank has approved the Basic Education Improvement Project, aiming to strengthen foundational learning for over 1.7 million primary school children across the country. The initiative is backed by $105 million, including a $100 million credit from the International Development Association and a $5 million grant from the Early Learning Partnership Multi Donor Trust Fund.
The project focuses on improving literacy and numeracy skills, expanding early childhood education, and enhancing teaching quality. It will also upgrade school infrastructure and strengthen education management systems to create a more resilient and inclusive learning environment.
Cambodia has made progress in expanding access to education, but many students still struggle with basic reading and math skills. The new project will help tackle these challenges by using evidence based teaching methods, offering mentorship and coaching to over 37,000 teachers, and providing targeted instruction to students who have fallen behind.
To support early childhood development, the project will fund 60 public childcare centers and 60 new preschool classes, benefiting an estimated 2,200 children aged 0–2 and 50,000 children aged 3–5. This will help working mother’s access affordable childcare and ensure children are better prepared for school.
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The initiative will also finance the construction of over 900 new classrooms to reduce overcrowding and improve the overall learning environment. Schools will be equipped with gender separated toilets and hand washing facilities to promote health and hygiene.
Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, said “By focusing on foundational learning, we are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and prosperous future”. This project reflects Cambodia’s commitment to building strong human capital.
