Cambodian officials said over the weekend they hope her visit will also shine a positive light on the country and encourage more visitors to come.
Around the world, 62 million girls are not in school. School dropout rates among female students in developing countries like Cambodia also remain a concern.
Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron said her visit gave strong encouragement for girls’ education in Cambodia.
John Ciorciari said Obama’s trip can help the relationship between the two countries, but Cambodia’s rights record remains a problem.
By 2013, about 2.5 million hectares, about 70 percent of the country’s arable land, was leased to more than 270 companies.
Outside of Siem Reap, in the rural areas, few have access to information, and so few know of the First Lady's visit, or who Michelle Obama is.
Some critics are skeptical the program will work, especially in the face of poverty, corruption and poor governance.
While few Siem Reap residents knew of the first lady’s visit, many welcomed the news that she was arriving in an effort to improve education.
Although Cambodia has seen high enrollment at primary schools, about 95 percent, the rate of students dropping out of secondary and high school remains a problem.
Cambodia is one of 11 countries participating in part of the “Let Girls Learn” initiative, run by the Peace Corps and overseen by the first lady.
Democracy and rights groups on Wednesday reiterated calls that certain provisions limiting be struck.
Over the past 20 years, Neang Phalla has dedicated her work to making education accessible for blind and deaf children across Cambodia.
Opposition supporters say the sentences have more to do with political harassment than law.
Kem Sokha urged patience, and told supporters not to be concerned the opposition has been “tricked” by the ruling party.
In Cambodia, girls face poverty, corruption and traditions that keep them at home or de-prioritize learning, especially compared to boys.
Cambodia’s economy is likely to continue to grow at a fast pace, but an economist says that will widen the gap between rich and poor.
Many residents in Phnom Penh interviewed this week said they were not sure what was happening with the reform.
In 2001, waves of Montagnard asylum-seekers found their way to Cambodia, and many of them were later received by the United States.
The two former Khmer Rouge leaders are currently in the midst of the second and final trial phase at the UN-backed court.
Koul Panha, executive director for Comfrel, told VOA Khmer on Monday that more than 60 NGOs disagree with the reforms, especially prohibitions on speech.
ព័ត៌មានផ្សេងទៀត
