Cambodia has made strong progress in getting more children into primary school, but major improvements are still needed inside classrooms, according to two new World Bank studies released in Phnom Penh. The reports highlight that while access to education has expanded, many students still lack the basic reading and math skills needed for future success.
World Bank Country Manager Tania Meyer said strengthening teaching and increasing effective learning time are essential for Cambodia’s long‑term development. She noted that better education outcomes will help the country build a more skilled workforce and support inclusive economic growth.
One of the reports, which examines teaching quality, finds that although higher salaries have attracted stronger candidates into the profession, classroom practices have not yet improved. Many teachers continue to take on additional jobs, reducing the time and energy they can dedicate to students. The study calls for greater investment in teacher training — both before teachers enter the classroom and throughout their careers — to build a new generation of well‑prepared educators.
A second report looks at how instructional time affects student learning. Despite allocating significant classroom hours to core subjects, many Cambodian students still struggle with literacy and numeracy. The analysis suggests practical steps such as reducing teacher absenteeism, limiting unofficial school closures, and extending the number of teaching weeks each year. If Cambodia chooses to move toward full‑day schooling, the report recommends a gradual rollout to ensure the approach is sustainable and effective.
Both studies stress that improving the quality of teaching and learning will be critical for Cambodia to ensure every child has the skills needed to succeed.
Source: World Bank