An MoU was signed by Indian ambassador Devyani Khobragade (centre-left) and education minister Hang Chuon Naron, during a ceremony at the education ministry on December 3. Education ministry
Through its embassy in Phnom Penh, the Indian government has approved three new education and infrastructure projects in Cambodia.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Phnom Penh on December 3. The three Quick Impact Projects (QIP) are aimed at improving education and living conditions in Cambodian communities.
The MoU was signed by Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, and Devyani Khobragade, ambassador of India to Cambodia.
“India remains committed to strengthening and expanding education cooperation with Cambodia, through scholarship programmes and the construction of Cambodia-India Friendship Schools,” said the minister.
He considered the signing of the MoU a testament to the commitment to strengthen and expand cooperation between the two countries, especially in promoting education and improving the welfare of people in the most underserved areas.
The first project, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools (2024-2025), will improve hygiene standards in Kampong Cham province’s Kang Meas district, by constructing toilets, installing handwashing stations and providing essential hygiene supplies to students and teachers.
The second initiative, Climate-Resilient School Water System (2024-2025), aims to install solar-powered, climate-resilient water systems in five schools in Prey Veng province, ensuring a sustainable supply of clean water.
The third, India-Cambodia Friendship School Development (2024-2025), will enhance the India-Cambodia Friendship Primary School in Kampong Cham province’s Srey Santhor District with new infrastructure, including toilets, a school gate, a fence and upgrades to the water system and overall environment.
“These projects are a big step forward in the context of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and India’s Act East Policy,” said the embassy, in a social media statement.
The building of latrines is part of the three Indian Grant Assistance-supported Quick Impact Projects (QIP) granted by India. Indian embassy
It explained that the initiatives are designed to support Cambodia’s broader goals of improving public health, education and climate resilience.
India has provided significant support to Cambodia through the Indian Grant Assistance (IGA) program, funding a series of QIPs, each designed to strengthen bilateral ties and promote socio-economic development.
The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme facilitates these initiatives, which are aimed at addressing urgent needs in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure and skill development.
Over the years, India has contributed to several high-impact projects, including the provision of medical equipment to hospitals, the construction of schools and the enhancement of vocational training programmes.
Additionally, India has funded water and sanitation initiatives to improve access to clean drinking water in rural communities.
Recent efforts have also focused on building community centres in several provinces, supporting agricultural development through training and technology transfer, and collaborating with Cambodian ministries to implement tailored projects that address the country’s most pressing developmental challenges.
Choun Naron also wished the Ambassador success in her future endeavours, as she prepares to conclude her diplomatic mission in Cambodia.
