Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour announced that his ministry will endeavour to collaborate with relevant institutions to establish and sustain community nurseries and preschools.
In his March 6 social media post, Sour highlighted that in addition to providing cash payments to female garment workers, the government has been proactive in setting up more community daycare centres, aiming to support working mothers with infants.
“Following Prime Minister Hun Manet’s guidance, the government has been instrumental in creating additional [facilities], enabling mothers to return to work after a three-month maternity leave, confident that their babies will be well cared for with proper nutrition and early education,” he said.
Sour emphasised that a collaborative effort from the government, development partners, the private sector and workers is essential for the establishment of new centres and the continuation of existing ones.
“The labour ministry aims to foster partnerships with key institutions, particularly the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, to ensure these community nurseries are sustainable, benefiting both the private sector and our national society,” he added.
Far Saly, president of the National Trade Union Coalition (NTUC), voiced support for the initiative but also urged the government to consider other challenges faced by workers.
“While appreciating this initiative, I request the government to address other pressing concerns. Which should be prioritised: worker accommodations or nurseries? How feasible is it for workers to transport their babies when commuting in packed trucks, or should they opt for rented housing?” he inquired.
He called on the government to enhance health services, including expanding the scope of medical check-ups, care and treatment.
Saly stressed that while establishing nurseries and preschools is important, the government should also address these immediate concerns to avoid misallocation of resources.
The ministry reported that the government has so far established 13 nursery buildings nationwide, with 10 in Kampong Speu province and three in Kampong Cham.
Manet has recommended that the ministry fully establish such nurseries completely by 2024 or 2025.
The premier has pointed out that these facilities will ease the burden on mothers, enabling them to breastfeed their babies, save money and ultimately enhance work productivity.
