Education minister Hang Chuon Naron speaks at an inauguration ceremony in Kampong Cham province recently. MOEYS
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in Cambodia says that since the launch of the “Youth Health App” mobile app in November last year, more than 30,000 users have downloaded it, with more than 110,000 visitors accessing the information it provides.
The app is free and offers practical, reliable information in the Khmer language for teens and young people on reproductive and sexual health and services, as well as gender, mental health and psychological support.
A UNFPA press release announced that the app, which has been downloaded 33,600 times, is particularly popular in Phnom Penh and the provinces of Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Tbong Khmum and Kratie.
The app, which is available through both iOS and Android, was designed in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, and includes comprehensive sex education that is integrated into the national curriculum.
Education minister Hang Chuon Naron described the app as a powerful innovation in the promotion of digital education and support for young people both in and out of school.
“The app gives curious young people access to real scientific information. Promoting the health and development of young people is an indispensable factor in ensuring they reach their full potential as human resources,” he said in late March.
Cambodian Independent Teachers’ Association president Ouk Chhayavy said on May 14 that the app is an excellent way to provide personal health information to students, so they can understand it more clearly and protect themselves.
She explained that while the app provides scientific date, it does not include a curriculum which relates to Cambodian history or moral values, so it is best used to support the established national curriculum rather than on its own.
“The app is useful for a broad understanding of their physical health, but I think it is more important for us to teach them about their history and culture, as this will make them aware of moral issues as well,” she said.
The app was implemented by Child Helpline Cambodia and Kawsang Co Ltd, with development by the National Council for Youth Development of Cambodia and the education ministry. The programme was supported by the UNFPA and the Japanese government.
