Collaboration, responsibility key to inclusive education

Samban Chandara

THE 11th National Forum on Inclusive Education recently convened to address challenges in the sector and mobilise resources needed to ensure educational equity at all levels.

The forum – organised by the Working Group on Education and Disability (WGED) and the Special Education Department (SED) under the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, in collaboration with development partners – took place at the Kampot provincial education department and was chaired by ministry secretary of state Serey Chumneah.

The December 29 event utilised multimedia, combining online video systems with in-person participation by over 200 individuals from across the country.

This national forum sought to identify challenges faced by education stakeholders, including teachers, school administrators, education offices and parents, with a focus on creating a quality and inclusive educational environment for all students, including those with disabilities. The focus was on utilising mechanisms for resource mobilisation to implement policies and action plans at all levels.

Chumneah said that effective collaboration and a strong sense of responsibility among stakeholders have always played an essential role in addressing challenges and meeting the specific needs of children and students in their learning journeys. This collective effort has resulted in noteworthy advancements in implementing inclusive education.

“The government hasn’t completely fulfilled its commitment to ensure quality, equity and inclusive education as outlined in its first goal. There’s a need, especially within the ministry, to enhance the implementation of policies across all levels. Strengthening the education mechanism is crucial for advancing the evolution of inclusive education,” he said.

Chhort Bunthong, head of the Culture, Education and Tourist Relations department at the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), noted the significance of this forum aligning with national strategy. The aim is to ensure equity in education, encompassing both hard and soft skills, for everyone, irrespective of economic status or ability.

“This forum holds importance in raising awareness among stakeholders and advancing an educational standard that aligns with the government’s vision. The aim is to support Cambodia’s transformation into a high-middle-income country by 2030 and eventually reaching high-income status by 2050,” he said.

Bunthong pointed out that the main hurdles in achieving this plan are the government’s strategy not yet being fully integrated into relevant units, limited human resources in the sector and constraints in educational and financial resources despite a strong leadership structure.

He said that the ministry is actively reviewing processes and monitoring activities to ensure the goal of enhancing educational quality with a focus on equity and inclusivity becomes a reality.*