(as prepared for delivery)
- Your Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport
- Your Excellency Ambassador Carmen Moreno, European Union
- Mr. Magnus Saemundsson, First Secretary/Education Specialist, Embassy of Sweden
- Ms. Foroogh Foyouzat, Country Representative of UNICEF Cambodia
Good morning Minister and colleagues from the European Union, SIDA and UNICEF.
I am happy to join you to recognize the strong partnership under the Capacity Development Partnership Fund in strengthening the education system, policies, and strategies in Cambodia.
As we continue to live and operate during the COVID-19 pandemic, partnerships such as the Capacity Development Fund remain critical to our response and prevention efforts. I’d like to take a moment to recognize the Royal Government of Cambodia’s progress in preparing Cambodia to manage outbreaks as well as the country’s impressive vaccination campaign.
I’m proud to say that USAID has contributed more than 15 million dollars to Cambodia’s COVID-19 response. This support includes risk communication, infection prevention, laboratory systems, and essential commodities. Today we have come together to highlight the importance of supporting learners during these extraordinary times.
Providing the necessary tools that allow Cambodian children to study at home is critical to our shared goal of their safe mental and physical growth.
That is why USAID is proud to support the printing and distribution of the Home Learning Package through both the Capacity Development Partnership Fund and the American Rescue Plan.
In addition to the packaged materials and distribution, our All Children Learning activity, implemented by RTI, will support the use of the Home Learning Package. All Children Learning has not only contributed to the development of the Home Learning Package but is providing orientation training to all grade 1 and 2 teachers. With this training, teachers will be better able to support parents and students use the Home Learning Package effectively.
As we all know, in-person learning is essential. USAID remains committed to supporting the Ministry to reopen schools and ensure the appropriate catch-up learning interventions are implemented.
In conclusion, I would like to express my appreciation for the joint effort and collaboration between CDPF partners and the Ministry of Education to ensure children’s equitable access to continued education through the pandemic. The success of such partnerships is evident in the Home Learning Package reaching over 760,000 Grade 1 and 2 students nationwide.
Thank you all for joining us today and congratulations to the Ministry and partners for this important launch.