AKP Phnom Penh, July 09, 2025 -- 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, visited the Wat Po 5000 Safety Centre in Kulen district, Preah Vihear province, this morning to evaluate the educational environment for students displaced by recent events.

During his visit, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron met with teachers and local authorities to understand the current teaching and learning conditions and the challenges faced by both students and educators. 

He reaffirmed the Royal Government's dedication to ensuring uninterrupted education for students in vulnerable regions, highlighting the ministry's ongoing collaboration with local administrations to sustain and enhance educational services in all circumstances.

The Wat Po 5000 Trees Safety Centre currently shelters over 600 children who, along with their families, were displaced from Choam Ksan district near the border. These children are attending nearby primary schools, a result of coordination with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.

While approximately 1,400 young children in the province have yet to resume schooling, efforts by the Primary Education Department, the Kulen district administration, and the District Office of Education have enabled 343 students (167 girls) from Grades 1 to 6 to resume classes. These students are attending six classrooms near the safety camp, with classes held from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron also provided essential donations to support the students and teachers. These included a smart television, early-grade reading and mathematics materials, textbooks for all subjects in Grades 1–9, sports equipment, school bags, children’s learning materials, an LCD projector, tablets, notebooks, and pens. Financial aid was also extended to encourage teachers to continue their vital work within the camp.

By K. Rithy Reak