General articles are free for 24 hours after publish.
UNICEF Highlights High Dropout Rate in Cambodian High Schools
UNICEF has sounded the alarm over Cambodia's persistent high student dropout rates, particularly at the lower secondary level. Early marriage and gender expectations are cited as barriers for girls, while economic hardship forces boys to seek work.
UNICEF has stated that the student dropout rate in Cambodia remains high. The organization, through a social media message on September 8, 2026, highlighted the persistent issue. According to UNICEF, the dropout rate is most prevalent at the lower secondary school level. "Approximately 15 percent of students drop out at the lower secondary level in 2025," the same source claimed. The organization further explained that for girls, early marriage and societal expectations regarding gender roles often hinder their educational progress. For boys, economic hardship and the pressure to earn income compel them to leave school to find work.
Original source
Koh Santepheap Khmer