In collaboration with the Kampong Chhnang Provincial Administration and the Provincial Department of Education, Youth, and Sport, Save the Children's “Generating Resilient Environments and Promoting Socio-Economic Development of the East Tonle Sap Lake (EU-CAPFISH GREEN)” project Cambodia yesterday organized a Distribution Ceremony of Early Child Educational (ECE) Materials and Training on How to Use Teaching Materials for State and Community Preschool Teachers. 

Five ECE materials, including social studies, Khmer Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Mobility, were produced in six months with a total budget of $US 17,000 with the participation of preschool teachers and parents and were distributed to 36 public and community preschools in Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, and Kampong Thom provinces. 

These materials are produced to update and align with the new curriculum of the Ministry of Education and the needs of preschools and enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning of young children. 

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Tonn Kunthel, GREEN Project Manager, said that the distribution of ECE materials and training is an important part of contributing to the Royal Government of Cambodia in achieving the first part of the Pentagon strategy in the first objective of human capital development which focuses on improving education quality. 

He added, "This effort has also made significant contributions to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport in the implementation of the National Policy on the Protection and Development of Early Childhood, focusing on children aged 3 to 5. The goal is to ensure they are fully prepared to enter first grade at the age of 6. Investing in children's education is a crucial step towards building a brighter future for them, enabling them to earn a livelihood and contribute to the development of society.” 

Mr. Yi Sary, Deputy Governor of Boribo District, believes that both state and community preschool teachers in the project’s target areas will utilize these materials to further train children in disadvantaged areas. This will help young children acquire skills, behaviors, and fitness abilities, ultimately improving education, healthcare, and child protection against abuse. The goal is to ensure that all children understand their basic rights and contribute to strengthening them. Additionally, parents will be educated on their roles, duties, and responsibilities for raising and caring for their children.

Ms. Vun Thearith, a community preschool teacher at Neak Ta Po School in Boribo district, said that updating the materials would facilitate the teaching process, reducing teachers' personal time and expenses. 

She said, "These materials are made in accordance with the latest curriculum of the Ministry of Education. It helps children understand easily, grasp lessons quickly, and attract children to come to school regularly.

During the ceremony, Her Excellency Tong Nary, Member of Kampong Chhnang Provincial Council and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Women and Children Affairs, recalled the important role of preschool teachers in basic education for young children and highlighted their commitment and dedication, time, and expenses that require additional attention from the commune and national authorities.

“I believe that preschool teachers are extremely willing,” she said. “They are very hardworking and sacrifice a lot to teach the children in their communities. Not many people can do what they do, so we should take care of them." 

Her Excellency requested the Board of Governors of Boribo District to increase the allowance for community kindergarten teachers from 550,000 or 650,000 Riels or more, which is equal to the contract officer, to facilitate other expenses and promised to raise this issue to advocate at the national level so that preschool teachers in different provinces can receive appropriate responses to their efforts and dedication.

Currently, fishing communities in the eastern part of the Tonle Sap Lake are facing difficult livelihoods, especially declining fishing income because of climate change, overfishing and so on.

The GREEN Project is funded by European Union for four years implementation from March 2021 to February 2025. The project aims to improve the economic situation and resilience to climate change through clean water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, green economy initiatives and education in vulnerable fishing communities east of the Tonle Sap Lake.