by Hang Punreay
31/10/23

The inclusion of the Khmer language as a compulsory subject in the curriculum of private schools has received strong support from educational experts as it will promote the Cambodian language and culture.

Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, said in last week’s press conference at the Ministry that the inclusion of the Khmer language is mandatory in the curriculum of all private schools from the beginning of the next academic year starting this December.

“The Ministry has already issued guidelines for teaching the Khmer language in international schools and also organised a curriculum in Khmer. Some international schools have already started teaching the language.”

Dr Quach Mengly, Founder and Executive Director of the AII Language Centre and the American Intercontinental School, supported the inclusion of Khmer in the curriculum of private schools which have already implemented international curricula.

He added that the inclusion of Khmer is to promote the language as well as to protect and preserve Khmer culture, which plays a major role in the national identity, morality and Khmer tradition.

Dr Mengly stated that the inclusion of Khmer is a good decision and the Ministry should have made Khmer a requirement a long time ago.

Secretary-General of the Royal Academy of Cambodia Yang Peou said that most private or international schools in Cambodia have students from affluent Cambodian families and the institutions lack a Khmer language programme, so students will not learn the country’s culture and forget its traditions and values.

He added that when young people forget the country’s history and lack knowledge of the culture, customs and traditions then if they become leaders in the future it could present a danger to society.


If Cambodian students at international or national schools don’t study Khmer they will not understand the culture, history and society making it difficult for them to understand the people and take on a leadership role in the country.

In early 2023, the Ministry of Education recommended that it should be mandatory for international schools to teach the Khmer language, culture and civilisation during compulsory school hours.

Prime Minister HM has said that most Cambodian children who study at international schools have a poor understanding of the Khmer language and have little understanding of Cambodian morals and customs.

Mr HM also requested that private schools incorporate the Khmer language in the international curriculum to strengthen the language and cultivate cultural ethics, but not to affect the modernisation of education.

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501384071/ ... -december/