Phnom penh: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned an US$80 million loan to advance secondary education in Cambodia, emphasizing ’21st century’ skills such as critical and creative thinking, inclusive education for both boys and girls, and expanding pathways to post-secondary education.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Secondary Education for Human Capital Competitiveness Project will increase the number of inclusive climate-resilient school facilities, including an additional 400 classrooms, to address classroom overcrowding and enhance access to quality upper secondary education.
ADB Country Director for Cambodia, Jyotsana Varma, highlighted the necessity for Cambodia to pivot towards higher value-added economic activities, particularly those driven by technology, to remain globally competitive and sustain its significant economic progress. She emphasized that a skilled and educated workforce is essential for this transformation. Building on ADB’s ongoing investments in education and sk
ills development, the project aims to unlock the potential of Cambodia’s young population to propel future economic growth.
Currently, the net enrollment in upper secondary education in Cambodia stands at a low 35.5 percent, hindered by factors such as insufficient school facilities and economic pressures, especially on boys expected to contribute to household income. Teachers also need additional training and support to develop in-demand skills and competencies in students. Furthermore, students with special education needs face even more significant barriers to accessing quality secondary education.
The project aims to improve educational access, particularly for students with learning disabilities, by developing assistive technology and supporting special education secondary schools. It will also promote education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects to prepare a future workforce with skills that match industry demands. Additionally, the project will focus on developing soft skil
ls like communication, collaboration, and critical and creative thinking in students. Investments will also be made in enhancing the professional development of teachers to promote project-based teaching that incorporates group work, real-world problem-solving, and community engagement.
Moreover, the project will review and strengthen the grade 12 national examination to better reflect the modernized curriculum, as well as develop fast-track courses in priority fields, such as the digital economy and applied mathematics, to strengthen the pipeline of skilled human resources.
This initiative is a critical component of ADB’s support for the Cambodian government in boosting human capital development. It aligns with the government’s pentagonal strategy for growth, employment, equity, efficiency, and sustainability, and with ADB’s country partnership strategy for Cambodia from 2024 to 2028.
ADB remains committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while continui
ng its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, 49 of which are from the region.