Why is the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport so vital to Cambodia? The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Cambodia. It is responsible for education, youth development and sports.
Let’s delve into the story of this crucial ministry. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport or MoEYS was formally established on January 24, 1996. Some sources say it may have existed as early as 1992 or 1993.
Its main offices are located here in Phnom Penh. The ministry’s role is to promote and regulate education. It also handles youth and sport development in Cambodia. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron has been the Minister of Education, Youth and Sport since 2013.
MoEYS has several key directorates. These include Administration and Finance. Education, Higher Education, Policies and Planning are also directorates. Furthermore, the ministry includes Directorates for Sport and Youth. The Inspectorate General is also a directorate.
In 1999, the Ministry conducted a significant literacy survey. This survey included reading and writing tests. It revealed that only 37.1% of adult Cambodians were functionally literate. A previous survey in 1997 reported a 66% literacy rate. The 1997 survey only used yes or no questions.
The ministry’s mission is to ensure equal access to quality education. This applies to all Cambodian children and youth. Access should be consistent with the Constitution. It should align with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This commitment transcends social status. It also disregards geography, ethnicity, religion, language, gender, or disabilities.
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport has had many ministers since 1979. Chan Ven was Minister from February 1979 to January 1982. Pen Navuth served from January 1982 to January 1990. Yos Son was Minister from January 1990 to October 1992. Oem Chhunloem served until July 2, 1993. Mom Choemhuy then took over until September 24, 1993.
Ung Huot and Tol Laoh served briefly. Tol Laoh then returned. Kol Pheng took office in 2003. Im Sethy followed in 2008. Finally, Hangchuon Naron became Minister in 2013.
The Ministry’s annual budget was $915 million in 2019. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport is located at 80 Norodom Blvd. It operates from this location in Phnom Penh.
As we conclude our visit to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, consider its profound influence on Cambodia. It is a place where policies are shaped. These policies affect the lives of countless students and athletes.