Understanding Educational Reform in Cambodia

Challenges in Educational Access and Retention in Cambodia

• First educational reform cycle in Cambodia stalled by 2010
• Lower-secondary enrolment rates reached 35%-39%, remaining below 40%
• Private schools in urban areas contributed to the decline in participation rates
• Secondary school dropout rates remained high at 20% for a decade
• Despite investments, dropout rates were still 16-17% by 2019
• Stagnation in educational access and retention linked to changing economic landscape
• Proliferation of rural factories and plantation-based economy impacted educational outcomes
• Traditional seasonal dropout patterns shifted to year-round employment
• Increased employment opportunities in nearby countries like Thailand amplified the issue
• Lack of access and retention rates particularly evident in Phnom Penh
• Educational reforms need to address the challenges posed by the changing economic landscape
• Investment in scholarship support and expanded secondary school capacity has not effectively reduced dropout rates

Quiz: The Educational Reform Cycle in Cambodia - Test your knowledge on the factors affecting lower-secondary enrolment rates and secondary school dropout rates in Cambodia. Assess your understanding of the impact of private schools in urban areas and the challenges faced in achieving educational improvement.