In celebration of International Children’s Day Monday, Prime Minister Hun Sen said Cambodian needed to improve the quality of its education system.
“The quality of Cambodian education is low,” Hun Sen said in a speech. “We must push further toward paying attention to all children, especially providing opportunities for girls to have basic education for at least nine years.”
Education opportunities for girls remain low, the Ministry of Education says, and Hun Sen on Monday urged professional training to prevent the exploitation of child labor.
Rong Chhun, president of the Independent Teachers Association, blamed the government for failing to fulfill its obligations to child rights.
“Many children who do not have any education do some job just to find something to eat,” he said.
About 36 percent of the Cambodian population is illiterate, and around 40 percent of its students do not finish primary school. In May, UNDP called for urgent reform of the education system.