ADB Invests USD 80 Million in Climate-Resilient Schools to Transform Cambodian Education

• 4 November 2024
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To strengthen Cambodia’s secondary education sector, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 80 million loan to construct climate-resilient school buildings and expand educational resources nationwide. This update was confirmed in a press release from the Angkor Institute on 31 October 2024.

This initiative aims to address Cambodia’s low high school enrolment rate of 35.5%, which is hindered by infrastructure limitations and economic challenges that often require boys to support their families financially.

This major educational investment will go towards building 400 new classrooms designed to reduce overcrowding and extend access to quality high school education.

Part of the project will prioritize STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education to prepare students with practical, industry-aligned skills while promoting essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking.

In addition to infrastructure, the project will improve teacher training by focusing on project-based instruction, helping educators build skills in modern teaching methods that support collaboration, community engagement, and applied learning.

This initiative also includes revising the 12th-grade graduation exam, aiming to align it with updates to the curriculum and improve students’ readiness for further education or entry into the workforce. Specific refresher courses in digital economy and applied mathematics will further contribute to the skill-building focus, ensuring Cambodia’s young generation is prepared for a competitive global market.

Special provisions will also enhance support for students with learning disabilities, including developing assistive technology resources for special education facilities. According to ADB Country Director Jyotsana Varman, the project’s goal is to unlock the potential of Cambodia’s young population to foster future economic growth.

 

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