Unfinished Dreams: Fighting for Equal Education Access in Cambodia

This is the official English translation from the original articles that was written in Khmer

Writer: Kithiapech Panhnha

Cambodia, a nation situated in Southeast Asia, has endured the calamitous impact of nearly a century of foreign colonization to internal conflict and genocide regime. From 1860 to 1991, the scars left by these turbulent years run deep. From the loss of its own political governance to the abolishment of the economy and one’s identity, perhaps most devastating of all was the abandonment of its future: millions of children orphaned, disconnected from their families, and deprived of the greatest gift a nation can offer — the right to an education.

Photo by Hadynyah on Unsplash

Concise Timeline of Cambodia’s History (1860-1991)

1860 - 1953: French Colonial Rule

• 1863:  Cambodia has entered a new era as a French protectorate, with France taking control of foreign affairs and military operations. During this, King Norodom retains the throne, ensuring the monarchy remains intact under the agreement. The move aims to bolster the kingdom’s security amid regional challenges.

• 1953: After 90 years of French protection and colonization, Cambodia achieved full independence through negotiations led by King Norodom Sihanouk, the great-grandson of King Norodom. Renowned for his diplomatic cleverness , King Sihanouk emerged as a unifying figure and a symbol of national sovereignty.

1970 - 1975: Cambodian Civil War

• 1970: A military coup, led by General Lon Nol, an experienced military officer and political figure, overthrew King Norodom Sihanouk, marking the establishment of the “Khmer Republic” with backing from the United States. This pivotal event plunged Cambodia into a protracted civil war.

• 1975: The “Khmer Rouge”, a communist guerrilla movement led by Pol Pot, seized Phnom Penh and overthrew the government of General Lon Nol, thereby consolidating complete control over Cambodia. 

1975 - 1979: Khmer Rouge Regime & Genocide

• April 17, 1975: The Khmer Rouge captured Phnom Penh and declared Cambodia as “Democratic Kampuchea,” initiating a radical and devastating transformation of society. This regime plunged the nation into over three years of oppression, marked by the abolition of fundamental rights, widespread abuse of power, and the systematic genocide that turned the once-glorious nation into a killing field of its own citizen.

• 1975-1979: Under the Khmer Rouge, an estimated of 1.5-2 million people are killed in the Cambodian Genocide through execution, forced labor, starvation, and mistreatment. Intellectuals, ethnic minorities, and anyone perceived as an enemy are targeted.

1979 - 1989: Vietnamese Occupation

• 1979: Vietnam launched a military intervention in Cambodia, overthrowing the Khmer Rouge regime and establishing a new administration known as the People’s Republic of Kampuchea, widely regarded as a puppet government under Vietnamese influence.

• 1979-1989: The Khmer Rouge remains active in parts of Cambodia, resisting the Vietnamese-backed government despite being defeated militarily.

1991: Paris Peace Agreements

• 1991: The Paris Peace Agreements end the civil war, with all factions agreeing to a ceasefire. A United Nations peacekeeping mission (UNTAC) is established to oversee free elections and the transition to a constitutional monarchy, leading to the return of King Norodom Sihanouk.

"The education of a man is the foundation of the education of a nation." — George Washington

Education is the key to rebuilding a nation's human capital, its most invaluable resource. In the wake of Cambodia's historical tragedies, it is not just about recovering what was lost, but about creating new pathways for its children, who represent the promise of a brighter, more prosperous future. Today, the importance of education in shaping Cambodia’s future remains as critical as ever, and as this article will explore, it is the right of every Cambodian child to access education, to heal, and to rebuild their country.

Every minute, every single second, the people of Cambodia feel the profound dedication and tireless efforts poured in by both the government and its citizens. Together, they strive not only to rebuild but to surpass the once-glorious heights of the nation’s legacy, including its cherished education system—a testament to resilience and an unyielding hope for a brighter future.

The Price Cambodian Pay after the 3 Years, 8 Months, 20 Days Event

Liberation Day, January 7, 1979, marked the end of one of Cambodia’s darkest chapters under the Khmer Rouge regime, which left millions dead and the nation deeply scarred. Among the profound losses was the collapse of the education system—schools were closed, teachers executed, and books and cultural artifacts destroyed. 

The Khmer Rouge’s attempt to erase intellectualism and cultural heritage created a lost generation, depriving Cambodia of both knowledge and identity. Yet, amidst this lost hope, Cambodia has been persistent, rebuilding its education system as a foundation for its national recovery

“It was Year Zero.  Books were burned, religion outlawed, money abolished, schools closed, and teachers, doctors, and lawyers killed.  Wearing glasses or speaking a foreign language was a crime enough to merit death.  Families were turned out of homes, cities emptied, and a nation was slowly worked to death in the paddy fields.  Empty schools were made into prisons and suspected spies tortured in classrooms before being clubbed with shovels, stabbed with bamboo sticks, or kicked to death to save bullets.  Infants’ heads were dashed against tree trunks so they could not live to avenge their parents.  It was Year Zero; it was 1975.” 

— Nathan William Meyer, a photojournalist, international policy writer, and educator

Poverty is a major barrier, with many children unable to attend school due to financial constraints. In fact, around 48.7% of Cambodia’s population under 18 years old experiences multidimensional poverty, which affects their access to education and other essential services like healthcare​. Despite educational rate and improvement certainly marked it way throughout the records, it is still concerning to the Royal Government of Cambodia, Ministers of Education, teachers, parents and the students themselves still aware that there is the imbalance between urban and rural areas. 

Cambodia’s Education Roadmap: Building the Foundations for the Future

Fortunately, Cambodia’s Education 2030 Roadmap sets an ambitious vision for transforming the nation’s education system to meet global standards while addressing local challenges. Under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports, the roadmap outlines five strategic priorities aimed at fostering a more equitable, accessible, and future-ready education system.

• The First Priority: focuses on expanding quality Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and ensuring children complete basic education, laying a foundation for cognitive and social growth.

• The Second Priority: Addresses the need for specialized skills by promoting secondary education and broadening access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to prepare youth for modern job markets.

• The Third Priority: Enhances higher education by making it more accessible and affordable while fostering innovation and leadership for economic competitiveness.

• The Fourth Priority: focuses on promoting youth and adult literacy and encourages continuous learning for adaptability in a changing world.

• The Fifth Priority: Emphasizes better governance in education, focusing on transparency, accountability, and efficient resource use to achieve goals.

This forward-looking strategy underscores Cambodia’s commitment to empowering its citizens through education, creating a pathway for sustained national growth and prosperity. With children seen as the driving force behind Cambodia’s future, the government has vowed never to falter in its commitment to their well-being.

 Guided by the belief that investing in education and opportunities for young people is key to national progress, the leadership continues to push forward initiatives that empower the next generation. This unwavering dedication reflects the government’s hope and trust in children as the heart of the country’s aspirations for a brighter tomorrow.

Ways You Can Contribute

Your support can make a meaningful difference in rebuilding and empowering communities.

Through thoughtful donations, you help provide vital resources, education, and opportunities for growth, fostering a brighter future for those in need. Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a crucial role in transforming lives and restoring hope.

Your generosity plants the seeds of hope, nurturing the dreams of Cambodia’s children for a brighter tomorrow.

Where you can help:

1. Cambodian Children’s Fund : This organization provides education, health, and other support services to underprivileged children in Cambodia. 

2. Room to Read : Focused on building literacy and gender equality in education, Room to Read has programs in Cambodia that you can support.

3. The Cambodian School Project : This charity focuses on building and restoring schools in rural Cambodia.

4. UNICEF Cambodia : UNICEF provides assistance in education, health, and protection for children in Cambodia.

5. Global Peace Alliance (GPA) Cambodia : GPA focuses on providing donation, school supplies and books to Cambodian children in rural areas. One of their notable book donation projects is known for OBOL (One Book, One Love donation project)

References

[1] Southeast Asia Globe | As Regional Cities Expand, Urban Poor Risk being Left Behind https://southeastasiaglobe.com/as-regional-cities-expand-urban-poor-risk-being-left-behind/[ADD: Accessed(Date, month and year) | Accessed 07 December 2024

[2] UNICEF Cambodia | Cambodia Starts Five-Year Inclusive Education Plan to Ensure Quality Education for All Children, Including Those with Disabilities https://www.unicef.org/cambodia/press-releases/cambodia-starts-five-year-inclusive-education-plan-ensure-quality-education-all | Accessed 07 December 2024

[3] Yale Journal of International Affairs | Growing Up Cambodian: Childhood and Crisis Three Decades after the Khmer Rouge https://www.yalejournal.org/publications/growing-up-cambodian-childhood-and-crisis-three-decades-after-the-khmer-rouge?rq=cambodia | Accessed 07 December 2024

[4] Britannica | Cambodia https://www.britannica.com/place/Cambodia | Accessed 07 December 2024

[5] Asia Society Organization | Cambodia: A Historical Overview https://asiasociety.org/education/cambodia-historical-overview | Accessed 07 December 2024