Education Without Borders: MoEYS, EU, and UNICEF Deliver Emergency Learning Support
PHNOM PENH, February 24, 2026 — In a vital move to protect the academic future of children in conflict-affected regions, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, received a high-level delegation from the European Union and UNICEF Cambodia.
The meeting marked the official handover of emergency education supplies under the Capacity Development Partnership Fund (CDPF III), specifically designed to support three provinces—Udar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, and Preah Vihear—where border instability has disrupted the lives of thousands of families.
Rapid Response: Classroom-in-a-Box & Temporary Shelter
To prevent learning loss among displaced students, the partnership delivered a specialized package of emergency materials:
- 20 High-Quality Tents: These serve as temporary, weather-resistant classrooms for 15 schools, allowing education to continue while the Ministry plans permanent structures.
- School-in-a-Box (SIB): A comprehensive kit containing all the essential supplies a teacher needs to turn any location into a functioning classroom.
- Home Learning Packages (HLP): A massive delivery of 32,368 sets for students in grades 1–3, empowering them to continue their fundamental literacy and numeracy studies at home.
A Partnership for Resilience
Mr. Bryan Fornari (EU Cooperation) and Dr. Will Parks (UNICEF) both emphasized that these tools are not just supplies—they are a commitment to “anywhere, anytime” education. While permanent school buildings remain the Ministry’s long-term goal, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that these temporary solutions are critical in building a system capable of responding quickly to disasters or displacement.
From our perspective at Schools Cambodia, this initiative highlights the incredible strength of international cooperation in the Kingdom. It ensures that the most vulnerable children in our border provinces are not forgotten, providing them with the stability and routine that only a classroom can offer.