Students at Kep province’s Sen Chamkar Doung High School conduct practical engineering projects, thanks to an ADB-funded resource building. Supplied
Teachers and students at Hun Sen Chamkar Doung High School in Kep province have received a head start with their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills, thanks to an Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded programme.
School principal Long Sophea told The Post about the Second Upper Secondary Education Sector Development Program (USESDP-2), during a recent ADB-led media visit.
He explained that the programme provided a resource building which includes a meeting room, library, computer lab and a science laboratory.
Equipped with scientific tools and materials that allow students to conduct hands-on studies, the facility cost approximately $350,000.
The principal added that since receiving this support, the quality of education for students has improved, particularly in STEM subjects.
Students here have shown strong interest in STEM and have been recognised in numerous competitions, ranking between 1st and 3rd nationwide.
The awards reflect a transformation in students’ abilities through learning, experimentation and practical application.
The resource building includes an up-to-date computer lab, ensuring the students are prepared for a digital future. Supplied
“I am very proud that our teachers can do it, and our students can do it too, thanks to the ADB. Our teachers have developed their capacities, and students have become more engaged in improving their skills as well. As the head of the school, I am delighted because we have created an excellent foundation for the children and citizens of Kep province,” said Sophea.
Seng Chamnab, a mathematics teacher at the high school, noted that before the resource building was available, both he and the students had a very limited understanding of STEM subjects.
However, since the ADB project was implemented, teachers and students have worked together to advance their knowledge.
They have participated in various competitions, achieving high rankings and earning recognition from external stakeholders as a strong competitor.
“In the past, students were afraid of science subjects, but not anymore. Now they love it and come to study to prepare for their future. We conduct experiments directly with them,” he said.
Nen Chan Alex, a grade 12 student, believed the USESDP-2 project has made studying easier for students here and allowed them to gain more practical experience, thanks to the abundant resources available in the satellite resource building.
“I go to the lab to study subjects like physics, chemistry, biology and earth science. For physics and chemistry, we conduct real experiments, and for earth science, we can see how a volcano erupts for real. For me, it’s amazing — it helps me strengthen my abilities and pursue my dream of becoming an architect in the future,” he said.
Masato Kanda, ADB president, explained that his visit to Hun Sen Chamkar Doung High School highlighted how the ADB’s USESDP-2 can transform education and open opportunities for students.
By improving classrooms and laboratories, along with providing key training for teachers, today’s youth can engage interactively with science and technology.
He added that the ADB is ready to continue partnering with the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure these opportunities reach more students, especially those who need them most.
The USESDP-2 began implementation in September 2018 and will run until June this year, with a total funding package of $53.5 million.
This includes $15 million in loans from the ADB, $35 million in ADB grants and a $3.5 million contribution from the Cambodian government.
