The General Department of Administration of the Ministry of Interior and Plan International Cambodia (PIC) have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to bolster parenting processes, safeguard early childhood and promote inclusive hygiene standards at the sub-national level.

The MoU signing, held in the presence of Suos Prathna, director general of the ministry’s administration department, and Gwynneth Wong, country director of PIC, took place on January 22.

The general department reports significant achievements through collaboration with PIC, including the creation of an educational process management guidebook for parents and guardians, the facilitation of courses for national and sub-national trainers and the enhancement of commune council capacities, all contributing to early childhood development across the Kingdom.

“The MoU represents a continued collaboration aimed at advancing the implementation of the national policy for early childhood protection and development, along with enhancing sanitation at sub-national administrations,” the ministry said.

Yi Kim Than, deputy country director for programmes at PIC, said on January 23 that in cooperation with the administration department, they are working to strengthen the principles in a handbook on the management of parenting education for early childhood care and development at the commune level.

He said that the collaborative reinforcement of principles in this book stems from his organisation’s support of the interior ministry in its preparation. Coordination is necessary for courses aimed at national and sub-national level trainers, enabling them to subsequently educate commune councils using this guidebook.

He also said that certain provinces lack training addressing topics covered in the guidebook. PIC will assist the department in inspecting and supporting all commune councils, ensuring they receive training on arranging parent groups in communes to actively contribute to early childhood development.

“This year, our focus will be on enhancing the capacity of commune councils and overseeing their implementation. National workshops will be conducted to reflect on experiences and challenges in practising the principles outlined in the guidebook,” he said.

Kimthan noted that the MoU also prioritises environmentally friendly toilet hygiene standards in the commune. In the past, many rural communes lacked toilets, creating inconvenience for women accessing services at commune and council halls.

To address this issue, he outlined PIC’s intention to collaborate with the department to ensure clean toilets in every commune. As a model for study, PIC plans to construct three toilets in Siem Reap.

“Subsequently, we will advocate for the adoption of environmentally friendly toilets in all communes, extending their usage nationwide to ensure everyone has access to such facilities,” he said.

He explained that the construction of latrines aligns with the government’s strategy to achieve 100 per cent sanitation coverage in rural areas, encompassing communities, schools, public institutions and workplaces by 2025.