AKP Phnom Penh, January 15, 2026 -- H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports of the Kingdom of Cambodia, held a working meeting in Phnom Penh this morning with Ms. Rennie Yotova, Director of French Language Teaching and Learning at the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). 

The meeting also served to welcome a new cohort of international French volunteer teachers.

The discussions centred on strengthening educational cooperation between the Ministry and the OIF, with a specific focus on enhancing the teaching and learning of the French language across Cambodia.

During the meeting, Ms. Yotova conveyed warm New Year’s greetings and a message of goodwill from H.E. Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the OIF, to the Deputy Prime Minister. Ms. Yotova commended H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron’s active leadership and ongoing reform efforts within the education sector, as well as his dedicated work to promote the French language in Cambodia.

She highlighted the OIF’s International French Volunteer Teacher Mobility Programme, a key initiative launched in 2020. For the 2026 academic year, the OIF has selected 13 qualified volunteer teachers to be deployed across Cambodian educational institutions. 

Their mission is to advance French language proficiency through targeted training, the establishment of French clubs, and various artistic and cultural activities, all designed to meet the specific needs of local teachers and students.

In response, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron extended his sincere gratitude and a warm welcome to the 13 volunteer teachers. He emphasised that their presence not only strengthens the French language capabilities of Cambodian students but also embodies the spirit of international solidarity. Furthermore, he noted their contribution is vital as Cambodia prepares to host an upcoming Francophonie Summit.

The Deputy Prime Minister also encouraged the development of a digital platform for French language education and the broader use of social media networks. These tools are envisioned to facilitate knowledge-sharing and significantly improve French language learning outcomes nationwide.

By K. Rithy Reak