PRESS RELEASE: Japan Backs Education Project to Improve Learning for Rural Children in Cambodia

Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia —March 25, 2026 The Government of Japan, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, is funding a new education project to help improve learning outcomes for more than 2,400 primary school students in Kampong Thom Province, where many children continue to face challenges in reading and mathematics.

The project, awarded to World Vision Japan under Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects, is being implemented in collaboration with World Vision International in Cambodia (WVI‑C) and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, as well as provincial and district education offices.

With a total budget of USD 493,765, the Japan-funded‑ project supports six primary schools in Kampong Svay District, focusing on strengthening teaching quality, supporting school construction and renovation, improving learning environments, and providing digital equipment to support  a better learning, and delivering targeted academic support for children who are falling behind.

The Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects started in Cambodia in 2002 to support activities by Japanese NGOs to help Cambodia's reconstruction and development efforts at the grassroots level. Since 2002, the Government of Japan has provided over US$60 million for over 170 projects, mainly in the field of primary education, health, agriculture and mine clearance in Cambodia.

While Cambodia has made significant progress in expanding access to primary education, learning outcomes remain uneven, particularly in rural communities. In Kampong Thom Province, many children do not reach age-‑appropriate competency levels in Khmer language and mathematics, increasing the risk of grade repetition and dropout.

With support from the Government of Japan, the project strengthens the capacity of 71 teachers and school leaders through training in child‑centred and inclusive teaching methods, continuous learning assessment, and remedial instruction. Teachers receive ongoing coaching and technical support to ensure teaching practices align with national education standards.

“World Vision Japan began its activities in Cambodia in 1996. Since then, we have worked together with the Government of Cambodia, local education authorities, and community members, to support the healthy growth and development of children,” said Mina Chiba, Project Manager of World Vision Japan. “World Vision Japan believes that such partnerships are key to achieving sustainable improvements in education”. 

“Ensuring children are enrolled in school is an important achievement, but learning quality remains a challenge in many rural areas,” said Janes Imanuel Ginting, National Director of World Vision Cambodia. “With Japan’s support, we are working alongside education authorities to strengthen teaching, improve learning environments, and provide additional support so that all children can progress in their learning.”

Regular learning assessments help schools identify children who need additional support, enabling the provision of structured remedial classes in reading and mathematics, expected to benefit 10–25 percent of students in each school. Parents are engaged through regular progress‑sharing sessions to reinforce learning at home.

The project also improves physical and digital learning conditions. Two schools are receiving new or renovated classrooms, allowing learning to continue safely during extreme weather. All six schools are being equipped with essential learning materials and digital tools, including computers and smart televisions, to support access to Ministry of Education‑approved digital learning resources. Teachers are trained to use and maintain this equipment effectively.

Implemented over 12 months (April 2026 – March 2027), the project directly benefits 7,340 people, including students, teachers, and parents, and indirectly supports more than 100,000 community members.

Note to Editors

World Vision International is a global Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Founded in 1950, it works in nearly 100 countries, focusing on emergency aid, education, health, and child protection for vulnerable communities, regardless of religion or background.