ADB Invests $80M to Boost Cambodian Secondary Education, Focusing on 21st-Century Skills

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recently approved an $80 million loan aimed at strengthening secondary education in Cambodia. This init...

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recently approved an $80 million loan aimed at strengthening secondary education in Cambodia. This initiative will focus on equipping students with essential “21st-century” skills like critical thinking, creativity, and environmental awareness. The program emphasizes creating a well-rounded education environment for both male and female students, empowering them for post-secondary education and future career prospects.

According to an ADB statement, the project will prioritize building climate-resilient school facilities, including the construction of 400 new classrooms, to reduce overcrowding and expand access to high-quality secondary education. These improvements are part of a broader strategy to bolster human capital and maintain Cambodia’s economic competitiveness.

Jyotsana Varma, ADB's Country Director for Cambodia, highlighted the urgent need for the country to pivot toward high-value, technology-driven sectors to sustain its economic growth. “A skilled workforce and robust education system are fundamental to achieving this,” Varma noted. This project builds on ADB’s ongoing efforts to support educational growth, aiming to unlock the potential of Cambodia's youth and fuel the nation's future economic development.

Currently, the high school enrollment rate in Cambodia stands at a low 35.5%, a statistic attributed to several challenges, including inadequate school facilities and economic pressures that compel boys, in particular, to work and support their families. Moreover, teachers require further training to enhance their abilities to meet the evolving needs of students, while those with special needs encounter additional barriers to quality education.

The project plans to address these issues by integrating assistive technology and special education support, improving access for students with learning disabilities. Additionally, it will emphasize STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, preparing Cambodian students to become a skilled workforce aligned with modern industry demands.