World Vision celebrates achievements over 19 years
THE latest estimation available to World Vision shows that 89 per cent of children in Kandal province’s Ksach Kandal district have completed basic education (Grades 1-9). In comparison, the number was merely 38 per cent 19 years ago.
Increasing participation of the parents, guardians, teachers, principals and the local authorities have contributed to the significant improvement, senior executive director of World Vision Cambodia, Pin Titveasna, said on Wednesday.
Titveasna was speaking during an event to celebrate the achievements over the last 19 years as a result of collaborative programmes initiated by World Vision and the Ksach Kandal community.
In the past, Titveasna said, most parents and guardians perceived that their children would be more useful if they didn’t go to school so that they could work to support the family.
“But now the mindset has changed. They send their children to primar y school at the age of si x. They believe t hat wit h knowledge, t heir children would have a bet ter f ut ure,” she said.
Titveasna also praised the teachers’ dedicat ion a nd creat iv it y i n applying a student-centred approach in the learning process.
“If we look at today’s educat ion qua l it y, more a nd more teachers teach in a way that makes it enjoyable for t he students to learn, in line with the programmes designed by the government.
“The surrounding environment also plays a vital role in the success. For example, schools now have better facilities, such as a library,” she said.
Titveasna said the local authorities often supported teachers by providing them with technical courses to enhance their capabilities and the students’ learning experience.
Teak Khun, Sanlong commune chief in Khsach Kandal district, shared similar sentiments.
“Most children [in Sanlong commune] are enrolled at primary school. The drop-out rate is also very low,” he said.
Khun said improved living conditions had been the driving factor of the success.
“We will keep encouraging the families to send their children to school and continue fulfilling our duties to ease assist them,” he said.