Cambodia Holds Social Assistance Program Implementation Training

A training session on the implementation of the national social assistance program was held in Kandal Province, Cambodia. Approximately 263 officials, including those responsible for the national social assistance program at the local health centers and commune/sankat administrations, participated in the one-morning session held at the Kandal Provincial Hall on August 7, 2026. Nut Phouthdar, Deputy Governor of Kandal Province, expressed gratitude to the provincial branch of the National Social Aid Fund, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the Ministry of Health, commune/sankat administrations, and public health centers for their responsible performance and commendable results. He highlighted the government's significant investment in supporting the social assistance program, particularly cash assistance, to aid citizens facing hardship and vulnerability. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, the government continues to implement and develop the national social assistance program, focusing on strengthening the social protection system and improving citizen welfare. The Kandal Provincial Administration is committed to supporting, promoting, and guiding relevant ministries, agencies, and local authorities to effectively implement the social assistance program and achieve its goals. The province also monitors, reviews, and resolves challenges to ensure that poor and vulnerable families receive adequate and appropriate support. The 7th mandate government of Cambodia remains focused on building and strengthening a comprehensive, coherent, and effective social protection system, guided by the principle of leaving no citizen behind. This policy aims to enhance human capital development, improve citizen welfare, especially for vulnerable and at-risk groups, and contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable economic development. Chhuor Ratana, Deputy Director General of the National Social Aid Fund, urged all participants to diligently apply the knowledge gained from the training to ensure effective implementation. He emphasized that the learning and discussions during the session would serve as a crucial foundation for local program execution, preventing confusion and ensuring adherence to established principles. Win Saroeun, Director of the Kandal Provincial Branch of the National Social Aid Fund, reported that in the first half of 2026, the branch, in collaboration with commune/sankat authorities, public health centers, and public educational institutions, registered and disbursed monthly subsidies to 44,141 families (51,825 beneficiaries) eligible under the family social assistance package. Furthermore, in cooperation with the Techo Sen National Polytechnic Institute, they implemented a vocational training program for 209 youths from poor and vulnerable families. Additionally, in collaboration with the provincial prison, subsidies were provided to 13 pregnant female inmates and children under two years old residing in the prison. Source: AKP Khmer