Cambodia Boosts Special Education with NGO-Government Collaboration

The NGO 'Sala Ton Sai' (School for Children with Disabilities) in Cambodia is advocating for enhanced cooperation with the Ministry of Education to promote the effectiveness of its special and inclusive education interventions for children with intellectual disabilities and autism. Ms. Sor Sotharamy, Executive Director of the NGO, expressed her deep gratitude for the close collaboration provided by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport during a meeting with His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, on July 21, 2026, at the Ministry's headquarters. Ms. Sotharamy emphasized that special education interventions and inclusive classrooms for students with intellectual disabilities and autism are effective educational models that provide opportunities for children to access education and develop their full potential. She also raised challenges and sought recommendations on standardizing the curriculum and establishing more effective mechanisms for student identification. In response, His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron praised Sala Ton Sai for its significant contributions to the development of special and inclusive education in Cambodia. He highlighted the government's commitment through the establishment of the National Institute of Special Education, the transformation of schools for visually and hearing impaired children into state schools, and the implementation of a proclamation on transferring the implementation of special and inclusive education programs to public schools. Regarding the curriculum, His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron advised that special education should not focus on a single standard due to the differing developmental levels of each student. He stressed the need for a flexible curriculum framework and the involvement of rehabilitation specialists for accurate assessment. His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister instructed Sala Ton Sai to continue close cooperation with the National Institute of Special Education and other schools. He also affirmed the Ministry's commitment to supporting infrastructure development and training for student parents, aiming to create a supportive environment within schools and families, under the spirit of not leaving any child outside the education system. Sala Ton Sai is currently implementing special and inclusive education programs for students with intellectual disabilities and autism in 16 target primary schools across Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kampong Speu, and Siem Reap provinces, encompassing 28 classrooms, 53 learning groups, and a total of 539 students.