Qatar has signed off on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports on the Phase II Development Project for Children and pledged $13 million to improve Cambodia’s education sector.

The focus will primarily be on vulnerable children in primary education.

The MoU was conducted via video conference on November 19 between Minister Hang Chuon Naron and Khalifa bin Jassim al-Kuwari, director-general of the Fund for Development of Qatar.

Ministry spokesman Ros Soveacha said on November 22 the project is to support out-of-school children and those who cannot finish primary school.

“This foundation is giving $13.8 million to help strengthen education at the primary school level,” he said.

He said the purpose is to help children who are at risk of dropping out and ensuring an equitable education and life-long learning opportunities.

Naron thanked Qatar for providing the funding to help Cambodian children at the primary level and children at risk of dropping out.

According to the ministry statistics for the 2018-2019 school year, the total number of students at the primary level was 2.1 million. Of the number, more than 4.4 per cent dropped out.

Separately, to support young people from dropping out of school at the secondary level, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, the education ministry and UNESCO have announced the launch of a new Basic Education Equivalency Programme (BEEP) learning centres in target provinces in Cambodia.

According to a November 2 press release, 35 BEEP learning centres will be set up in 15 provinces to support young people in Cambodia to embrace the growth of decent and productive employment opportunities by ensuring that they can respond to the needs of the market and are prepared for quality work.