The governments of Cambodia and the United Kingdom have jointly launched two educational pilot projects aimed at strengthening foundational learning outcomes across the Kingdom.
Part of the ASEAN-UK Supporting the Advancement of Girls Education (SAGE) programme, the initiatives will enhance teaching practices and improve learning experiences by reviewing current educational materials and introducing the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach.
The launch event took place at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) headquarters, with the presence of key representatives including Oung Borat, Secretary of State at MoEYS; Craig Farmer, Team Leader of the ASEAN-UK SAGE programme; and Isla Gilmore, Education Advisor at the UK Mission to ASEAN, along with delegations from both governments.
One of the initiatives, Strengthening Retention Through TaRL, will pilot a new methodology designed to support 500 at-risk students in Grades 4 and 5. Rather than grouping students by grade, TaRL will place them according to their proficiency levels in reading and mathematics to ensure tailored support. The project will be implemented by Pratham International in collaboration with ASEAN-UK SAGE partners, including the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and SEAMEO TED.
The second initiative, Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation Capacity for Foundational Learning, will focus on classroom practices and teaching materials in Grades 1 and 2. The project aims to generate evidence that can inform teacher training programmes at Phnom Penh and Battambang Teacher Education Colleges and expand the mentoring system led by the Department of Primary Education. It will also contribute to the development of early grade reading resources.
Oung Borat highlighted the importance of global partnerships in improving education outcomes, stating, “The Ministry of Education is delighted to engage in meaningful international cooperation through the ASEAN–UK SAGE programme alongside our dedicated partners – the SEAMEO Secretariat, the British Council, and the UK Government.”
British Ambassador to Cambodia Dominic Williams reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Cambodia’s development, noting, “UK education is playing an important role in helping Cambodia prepare to graduate from least developed country status and to sustain its phenomenal development journey.” He emphasized the UK’s focus on ensuring inclusive access to quality education, especially for girls and marginalised communities.
Craig Farmer also expressed his optimism, saying, “We’re excited to begin working directly with teachers and teacher educators nationwide. We’re also delighted to be bringing TaRL to the region, as it has proved so successful in other countries.”
These pilot projects reflect a shared vision to address critical educational challenges through international cooperation, ensuring that every Cambodian learner is equipped with the foundational skills needed for long-term success.
