The World Bank has announced the approval of an additional USD 79.5 million to enhance efforts aimed at improving access to quality education throughout Cambodia, according to a recent news release. This funding is intended to expand the Cambodia General Education Improvement Project, which originally received USD 69.25 million in funding in January 2022. The additional financing includes a USD 19.5-million grant from the Global Partnership for Education, the release noted.
“Cambodia has made great strides in expanding access to education over the last two decades, but low student learning outcomes and inequitable access to quality education remain key challenges”, World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia Maryam Salim said. “This additional financing reinforces efforts to tackle learning poverty and build the human capital needed for Cambodia’s growth and development”, she added.
According to the news release, the additional financing will extend the project's activities to include 500 more secondary schools, 1,000 primary schools, and 90 preschools nationwide. Key initiatives will involve enhanced training and professional development for teachers, school leaders, and staff; the construction and renovation of classrooms, laboratories, and school buildings featuring climate-resilient designs; the piloting of educational technology to boost quality learning hours; and the modernization of textbooks and development of teacher guides.
“The project places a strong emphasis on making it easier for children from disadvantaged groups, poor families, or ethnic minority communities, including those in remote areas or living with disabilities, to get to school and receive quality learning opportunities”, the news release said.
