Blog 3 Lack of Funding in Education in Cambodia

On February 1, 2013, an article was written by Ben Woods and Chin Chan on the lack of funding in the Ministry of Education in Cambodia. We all know that budget cuts in education have greatly affected the school systems all over the world. It just so happens that the ones that have already been struggling are having an even harder time. According to the article, “Education Minister Im Sethy accused the Ministry of Economy and Finance of consistently failing to disburse sufficient funds to the education sector, forcing it to rely on heavily on foreign aid to achieve reforms.” During an education workshop, Sethy made a speech dedicated to the misuse of funds and how it is hindering the growth in the school system. Since 2007, the Ministry of Education has received the short end of the stick by receiving “a smaller proportion of the government’s total budget.” Thus, hindering the growth in student enrollment and raising teachers’ low salaries. He also stated “Cambodians cannot listen to Cambodians” and that the European Union has donated nearly forty million Euros, or about fifty million just to replace the proper funding by the government, not supplement.

I had to choose this article because lack of funding can decide whether your school opens up the next or whether your teachers even has the passion for teaching. Lack of funding in certain areas may not be as important to the government as it is to those working inside the school. Not having proper funding hinders growth in education and learning for the children. At the end of the process, the children are the ones suffering because they don’t have textbooks or the teachers to participate in extracurricular programs. Cambodia should be able to have the opportunity to have a great education where funding isn’t an issue just because the Minister of Economy and finance doesn’t think they need money. AS a college student, appreciation of education in the younger years matter because it sets a foundation for learning. If you do not have the proper material, such as textbooks, desks, and teachers, then it will be hard to enjoy learning as a whole. 

Bria Broadway 11:31pm

http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/education-minister-rails-against-lack-of-funding-8904/