Introduction

On the many occasions that Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has visited the Kingdom of Cambodia, she has received a heartfelt welcome by its people. As a result, the Princess took the initiative to reciprocate their warm hospitality by granting a permanent and invaluable contribution through education and public health services.

Cooperation between Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Cambodia started in 2001 in Kampong Thom province. The Royal Aide-de-Camp Department and colleagues collaborated with Cambodian authorities from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports to develop the plan and project. The project focuses on providing higher educational opportunities to Cambodians so that they can gain the basic skills required for earning their living or for studying at higher levels. Through a supporting fund from the government, Prasat Sombo High School was established at Sombo village, Prasat Sombo district, Kampong Thom province. On 17 May 2001, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the Ceremony to Lay the Foundation Stone at this school. The school now offers secondary education, both general and vocational education, to about 1,200 students. For vocational education, programs currently offered can be categorized into three majors fields including agriculture (i.e., plant science, animal science, and fisheries), electronics, and electricity. In addition, curriculum development as well as training programs in teaching learning processes for Cambodian teachers are also provided.

In 2006, the pilot project Improving the Quality of Life for Children and Youth was launched in another three primary schools, and the Agriculture for School Lunch Project was applied. A small-scale integrated farm was introduced to schools. While food production and better nutrition are promoted through this school farm, personal hygiene and sanitation are concomitantly emphasized. The support provided for the construction of wells contributed to increased access to water resources. Consequently, the children have cleaner water for drinking. They also improve their personal hygiene by washing hands using the well water. The project has reached 2,335 children in three pilot primary schools. These schools are situated in rural areas of Kampong Cham, Kampong Speu and Prey Veng provinces where people are very poor.

Development Activities

Publication