Phnom penh: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports: is accelerating its efforts to repair and rebuild schools along the Cambodia-Thailand border that have been damaged by recent conflicts. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, chaired a meeting today to review the progress of reconstruction plans.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the meeting focused on consolidating strategies for repairing damaged facilities and constructing new, durable buildings in accordance with ministry guidelines. To ensure students' education isn't disrupted, temporary learning spaces are also being planned while reconstruction is underway.
During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron emphasized critical priorities, including dispatching technical teams to assess damage, understand local needs, and expedite timelines. The ministry will prepare standardised school designs, library plans, and budget frameworks in advance, alongside submitting policy approval requests to ensure projects are ready for the new school year.
A top priority is the clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and safety inspections at affected schools. If border instability delays the return to these areas, strategies will be developed to open the new academic year in safe, alternative locations. A comprehensive restoration plan will be crafted for all affected schools, with guidelines for reopening the 2025-2026 academic year in early November.
The Deputy Prime Minister urged all parties to prioritize this task to ensure students along the border can resume their studies without disruption. The ministry committed to working closely with provincial Departments of Education in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces to monitor conditions and provide continuous support.