World Teachers’ Day, which falls on October 5, is a unique opportunity to honour educators for their special contributions to society. They dedicate their time and strength to teaching students to do good deeds, know right from wrong and respect the elderly, said Prime Minister Hun Manet.

This year was the 26th time the occasion was marked in Cambodia, with “Teachers are the pillar of schools’ excellence” chosen as the theme for the celebrations.

Manet marked the day personally, presiding over a special event held by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. He explained that Teacher’s Day represents an opportunity to honour teachers for imparting knowledge and skills to their students.

“Everyone, including teachers, began their educational journey in primary school. I remember that it was in first grade where I first learned to read and write numbers and letters. Without that foundation, I would never have been able to pursue a PhD or learn a foreign language,” he said.

“As the old saying goes: ‘A teacher for a day is a father for a lifetime’, as they are like our second parents. They teach us life skills so we can become valuable resources to society,” he added.

He encouraged parents, guardians and communities to participate in educating children, under the slogan “State-community partnership for education”.

Manet explained that families and community members also act as teachers, and play a huge role in equipping young minds with ideals, morals and attitudes. He noted how important it is that parents and teachers trust one another.

He complimented the education ministry on the reforms it has carried out in the education sector, but explained that more work is necessary.

“Our basis for reform began with a focus on pre-school through to grade 12. Once these classes are strong, the education sector will be strong,” he said.

“This does not mean that the government is not considering higher education reforms – we have already drawn up joint plans, in fact. First, however, we need to make certain pre-school through to grade 12 is strong,” he added.

He explained that the focus of education is on two areas: ability and soft skills.

He also advised the ministry to be extremely particular when appointing school principals, as they have a vital role in leading the training of human resources.

“We are at the stage where we are strengthening the educational sector, rather than expanding it. We need to strengthen what already exists, with a focus on educational institutions at the district and commune level,” he said.

“My ambitions is that in one or two [government] mandates, parents won’t need to send their children to other areas to access quality education because all state schools will be of a high enough standard,” he added.

The government’s Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I includes strengthening the educational sector as a priority, noting that the reforms may take time, as they must be sustainable.

Education minister Hang Chuon Naron explained the vital and indispensible role teachers play in carrying out reforms.

He noted that many studies from around the world have determined that high quality teachers have a direct impact on positive change in classrooms. In particular, they improve not only the results of students, but of the educational system overall.

“Teachers are the backbone of the educational system. I offer my sincere compliments to all teachers across Cambodia for making great efforts to strengthen their capacities and fulfilling their roles professionally and responsibly,” he said.

“Without their contributions, the ministry could not carry out its reforms. This celebration clearly showed the vital role of teachers,” he added.

On the same day, the Cambodian Independent Teachers Association (CITA) assembled to mark the occasion. CITA has asked that the education ministry increase teacher’s salaries and root out what they described as ‘corruption’ in the educational system.