The Department of Vocational Orientation at the Ministry of Education has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Plan International Cambodia (PIC) to launch a three-year career guidance and counselling project at high school level.
The agreement was signed on September 11, aligning with the national education development framework for 2016-2025. The programme aims to support sustainable development goals and enhance inclusive education.
Rath Sara, head of the department, stated that the initiative is designed to raise the education levels of targeted students by focusing on their personal development.
“The effort seeks to provide lifelong learning opportunities, enabling them to acquire soft skills, plan their studies and choose viable career paths,” Sara said.
He added that the high school phase is crucial for students to acquire foundational knowledge, which will equip them for higher education and eventually the workplace.
According to a PIC’s press statement, the undertaking is expected to positively impact around 10,200 individuals from 14 targeted institutions, including 5,524 female students and 339 teachers, 120 of whom are women.
The statement highlighted that direct beneficiaries will be 42 teachers and 4,500 students, whereas indirect beneficiaries will include other teachers and 5,700 primary schoolers.
The pilot project will run from September 1 to June 30 next year, with potential for extension until June 2026.
As of the last academic year, Cambodia had 1,812 public schools, including 1,253 junior high schools and 559 high schools, with a population of over one million.
PIC reported that 115 public secondary schools are currently implementing career guidance training, involving 303 counsellors.
Yi Kimthan, PIC’s deputy country director for programmes, stated that the initiative will have a significant impact in three provinces: Siem Reap, Stung Treng, and Ratanakkiri.
“We focus on strengthening the personal qualities of each person, promoting academic achievements and positive attitudes,” Kimthan said.
He added that additional career forums, basic life skills tutelage, entrepreneurship workshops and orientation sessions for district and provincial education officials will also be provided.
“Through these activities, we aim to improve student learning outcomes, social welfare and issues such as dropout rates, gender inclusivity and lifelong learning,” he stated.
