AKP Phnom Penh, October 02, 2025 --

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, has commended the Don Bosco Foundation of Cambodia for its significant partnership in delivering equitable and quality education to disadvantaged children and youth across the country.

During a working meeting held on the Oct. 1 afternoon at the ministry’s headquarters, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron praised the foundation's dedicated efforts, noting its success in providing general education aligned with the national curriculum, from primary level through Grade 12.

“Their contributions have enabled many poor students to access education that builds not just knowledge, but also character and opportunity,” he stated, highlighting the organisation’s broad impact, which now spans 15 provinces and municipality.

The Minister specifically emphasised the transformative effect of the foundation’s scholarship programme for underprivileged students in public schools. He stated that these initiatives have successfully instilled “strong morals, a deep appreciation for Cambodian cultural traditions, essential qualities, practical skills, and promising futures” in the recipients.

The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed strong support for the foundation’s plans to expand its technical and vocational training programmes. This expansion aligns with Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet’s recommended three-track education pathway—science, social sciences, and technical-vocational education—intended for select schools to better prepare youth for the job market.

In response, Mr. Yujin Chalko, President of the Don Bosco Foundation of Cambodia, acknowledged the ministry's attentive and collaborative support. He provided an overview of the organisation’s global history, operating in 133 countries, and reiterated its core mission in Cambodia.

“We focus on general education and vocational skills for poor children and youth within the state system, employing Don Bosco’s preventive education approach to foster employment and develop them into valuable human resources and responsible citizens who can build strong families and contribute to the nation,” Mr. Yujin Chalko explained.

The foundation currently operates five branches nationwide: in Phnom Penh capital, and in Preah Sihanouk, Battambang, Poipet city, and Kep province. 

The meeting concluded with an agreement to further strengthen the ongoing partnership to advance Cambodia’s education goals for inclusive national development.

By K. Rithy Reak