A youth-oriented event, held at Pursat province’s Kampong Luong Primary School on September 16, aimed to highlight the power of community empowerment through international cooperation, with a focus on education, health and hygiene.
Organised by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Cambodia Office, the Cambodia–Korea Alumni Association (CAMKAA) and World Friends Korea (WFK) volunteers, it brought together more than 600 participants.
“As part of the event, KOICA and CAMKAA donated essential items to the school, including 150 bicycles, 250 school bags, 400 notebooks and pens, 300 toothbrushes and toothpaste, sets of textbooks and storybooks, and nutritious cookies,” according to KOICA.
These donations were aimed at helping students commute to school more easily, improve their educational resources, and maintain better health and hygiene.
The event also underscored the integrated nature of KOICA’s efforts in Cambodia, linking its volunteer programmes, alumni activities and project-based initiatives.
A team from the National Paediatric Hospital, consisting of a doctor and two nurses, provided free health consultations.
Additionally, a mobile clinic bus equipped with advanced medical tools, including digital X-ray and ultrasound machines, was provided by PMCI, a Korean medical volunteer NGO.
“Alongside these medical services, CAMKAA members and WFK volunteers conducted nutrition and hygiene education sessions for children,” said KOICA.
“Activities included reading nutrition-themed storybooks, teaching the importance of various nutrients in food, and engaging children in hands-on activities such as toothbrushing practice with dental models,” it added.
It said this event also highlighted the ongoing KOICA–WFP Home-Grown School Feeding Programme in Cambodia, which is currently in its second phase (2025–2029).
The programme supports 116 schools across Pursat province, aiming to enhance children’s nutrition, school attendance, and learning outcomes by improving meal systems with locally sourced agricultural products.
KOICA said the event successfully linked these educational and nutritional efforts with broader community engagement, generating positive outcomes beyond the classroom.
“Today’s event is a symbol of the strong and lasting friendship between Korea and Cambodia,” said Choi Moon Jung, KOICA Cambodia country director.
Since 2006, KOICA has maintained a strong partnership with Pursat Province, sending 25 WFK volunteers in sectors such as education, health and vocational training.
