AKP Phnom Penh, October 09, 2025 --

Danone has donated a new six-classroom school building and study materials, valued at US$110,000, to a conflict-affected school in Oddar Meanchey province.

H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports of Cambodia, received the symbolic donation from Mr. Van Leeuwen Maarten, Country Director of Danone Cambodia, on Oct. 8 afternoon.

Mr. Maarten stated that the contribution "represents a message of hope, resilience, and opportunity for thousands of students." He underscored the company's belief that all Cambodian children deserve proper nutrition and quality education as essential foundations for better learning outcomes. 

He further committed Danone to continued support for Cambodian children and families through future social and economic initiatives.

In response, Deputy Prime Minister Hang Chuon Naron expressed deep gratitude for Danone’s support, emphasising that such private sector contributions significantly bolster the Royal Government’s efforts to strengthen human resources and achieve the country’s sustainable socio-economic development goals.

The Deputy Prime Minister also recalled the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports’ response following the recent border clashes.

The Ministry has inspected seven damaged schools in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces, providing close monitoring, encouragement to the community, and supplying essential learning materials and safe living conditions to ensure continuous teaching and learning.

This latest donation is part of Danone's broader social and economic support initiative, through which it has contributed approximately US$275,000 to assist about 1,500 displaced families and children. 

This support has been coordinated in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Cambodian Red Cross, Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF), and Samdech Techo Voluntary Youth Doctor Association (TYDA).

The comprehensive support package includes Rebuilding schools damaged by border conflicts in Oddar Meanchey province; Providing nutrition, food, drinking water, and essential daily supplies; Supplying study materials for children in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces.

By K. Rithy Reak