The Cambodian Ministry of Education has set five standards for public primary schools to become model institutions, aiming to improve overall education quality. These standards were outlined in detailed guidelines released on November 14, 2023.

Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron emphasized that model schools excel in student performance, teaching methods, community involvement, school administration, and accountability. He stressed that implementing these standards, recognized by Prime Minister Hun Manet, is crucial for enhancing Cambodia’s education quality.

Minister Naron explained that achieving model school status requires strengthening school governance, revising curricula, and designing extracurricular activities to promote students’ knowledge, discipline, ethics, and behavior. He also mentioned implementing child nutrition programs and monitoring school food quality to safeguard students’ health. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of actively engaging parents, guardians, and the community in education, aligning with the government’s partnership and community-focused approach.

Ouk Chhayavy, President of the Cambodian Independent Teachers Association (CITA), acknowledged the need for teachers to work harder to reinforce teaching methods in this effort to establish model schools from kindergarten to high school. She emphasized the ministry’s responsibility to allocate additional funds to schools to ensure the initiative’s successful implementation.

Chhayavy noted that students are still required to make payments to attend school, necessitating larger school budgets. However, she expressed concern that relying on public funds could exacerbate financial burdens during the ongoing economic crisis.

Prime Minister Hun Manet officially introduced the model school initiative and the “Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Award” for schools maintaining these standards throughout the 2023-2024 academic year during the 26th Teachers’ Day events in October.

He called on all stakeholders to actively contribute to the comprehensive development of all schools, from kindergartens to secondary schools, in accordance with government and education ministry standards, ensuring high efficiency.