The Child Protection Unit (CPU) and Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) on September 4 hosted the “Safeguarding and Child Protection in Education” symposium, which was attended by representatives from local and international educational institutions.
The event was organised in collaboration with the UK-based global child protection consultancy Encompass Safeguarding.
As well as providing training in child abuse and exploitation prevention, safety equipment has also been installed in more than 40 schools, according to a September 4 joint announcement.
“This was the first event of its kind focusing on child protection in our schools.
“Teachers and schools are a vital front line of defence in protecting all children against abuse,” it said.
With the backing of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, as well as corporate sponsors such as telecom company Ezecom and investment firm Royal Group, the forum highlighted the crucial role of schools and teachers in preventing child abuse.
Nick Rose, deputy director of the CPU, said the seminar was “immensely successful,” attracting more than 130 participants who received Level 1 Safeguarding certification.
“This empowers them to effectively protect and support vulnerable children,” he said.
Training was delivered by Sian Jorgensen, CEO of Encompass, and Aylssa Cowell, founder of 7north Education.
“The importance of developing clear processes for reporting abuse and safer recruitment was stressed, while other topics including online abuse and coercive control,” Rose explained.
Jorgensen said teachers across Phnom Penh are now better prepared to recognise and respond to potential abuse cases.
“I am excited to see how this type of learning will continue to grow,” she added.
Cindy Yegorov, principal of Southbridge International School Cambodia (SISC), noted that her school has already committed to staff training in both Khmer and English.
“The symposium was informative, practical and inspiring,” she said.
Rose emphasised the CPU’s ongoing commitment to tackling serious crimes against children across the Kingdom, adding it is looking to expand its programmes.
“We will continue to support schools that attended this workshop to ensure the safety of children,” he said.
