The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has announced free training courses in traditional craft skills, as part of the new government’s plans to offer vocational training to 1.5 million youth, especially those from poor or vulnerable families.
In an announcement video posted by the ministry – and shared by Prime Minister Hun Manet – the ministry explained that the skills on offer will include Khmok-Smach (a traditional type of weaving used to make ceremonial face masks, as well as baskets), silver, bronze and stone sculpting, leatherwork, silk weaving, pottery, traditional musical instrument construction and painting.
Applicants who hold IDpoor cards will be financially supported while they study, via cash payments of 280,000 riel ($70) per month.
The training will kick off from February, at 13 locations in the capital and seven different provinces.
