A Norwegian education union has supported a regional initiative aimed at strengthening public investment in education and improving teachers’ working conditions in Cambodia.
The planning meeting, organised by Education International together with Cambodian teacher organisations, was held in Phnom Penh from 12 to 14 December. The event received financial support from Union of Education Norway and brought together representatives from Cambodian education trade unions and international partners.
According to Education International, the discussions focused on addressing persistent challenges in Cambodia’s education system, including teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and low salaries. In rural areas, average class sizes were reported to exceed 40 students, while classrooms in major cities such as Phnom Penh can have more than 70 students.
Participants also highlighted concerns over restrictions on trade union rights and the impact this has on teachers’ ability to organise and advocate for better working conditions. The meeting underlined that respect for freedom of association and teachers’ rights is closely linked to improving learning outcomes for students.
The event formed part of Education International’s global Go Public! Fund Education campaign, which calls on governments to treat education as a public good and increase public funding for schools and the teaching profession. Cambodian teacher organisations developed national action plans aligned with United Nations recommendations on the teaching profession, focusing on fair pay, improved working conditions and better deployment of teachers, particularly in rural areas.
Source: Education International
