Cambodia Pushes for Literacy Advancement with Public-Private Collaboration to Strengthen Human Capital and Societal Development

A ceremony to celebrate the 26th National Literacy Day on September 9th was held in Banteay Meanchey province, northwestern Cambodia. Governor Oum Rathry stated that literacy is not merely basic knowledge of reading, writing, and arithmetic, but a crucial foundation for acquiring new skills, participating in social activities, and improving living standards. The governor pointed out that in the rapidly developing modern society, the concept of literacy needs to be expanded beyond traditional reading and writing skills to include digital literacy, financial literacy, health literacy, and knowledge necessary for living in contemporary times. This will enable citizens to receive, analyze, and utilize information and technology safely and effectively. The event saw the participation of various provincial departments, security forces, local authorities, civil society organizations, the private sector, education professionals, and a large number of citizens and students. Governor Oum Rathry appealed to all relevant institutions, authorities, civil society organizations, and the private sector for continued cooperation in promoting literacy activities, especially in providing educational opportunities and appropriate vocational training to residents with lower literacy levels. He also encouraged education professionals to perform their duties responsibly, emphasizing that the education sector is vital for human resource development, which serves as the driving force for national socio-economic development. The governor further stated that improving literacy requires the participation of all parties, not just educational institutions or teachers. Families, communities, local authorities, civil society organizations, and the private sector all play a significant role in creating a learning environment and encouraging lifelong learning for citizens. This National Literacy Day event served as an opportunity to demonstrate the provincial authorities' commitment to education and human resource development, and to promote the entire society's view of learning and knowledge enhancement as a part of daily life. Efforts will continue to foster a culture of learning and lifelong education through the combined efforts of the government, authorities, relevant institutions, and citizens, enabling the residents of Banteay Meanchey province to acquire more knowledge, skills, and capabilities, and to contribute actively to local and national development processes. Source: AKP Khmer