Empowering Cambodia’s Educators: Closing Workshop Marks Success of the “Developing Teachers to Raise One-Health Awareness at General and Technical High Schools in Cambodia” Project

Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia, 31 January 2025 – The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Technical Education Development (SEAMEO TED) and the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN) successfully concluded the "Developing Teachers to Raise One Health Awareness at General and Technical High Schools in Cambodia" project with a closing workshop at Preah Bat Samdach Preah Borom Neat Norodom Sihamoni General and Technical High School. This milestone event concluded a six-month initiative dedicated to equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills to promote One Health awareness in schools and communities.

At the ceremony, nine national teacher trainers received certificates of completion, recognizing their dedication to advancing One Health education. Additionally, the One Health Champion Awards celebrated outstanding teacher trainees from the three target schools, with Preah Bat Samdach Preah Borom Neat Norodom Sihamoni General and Technical High School securing first place, followed by Kampong Chheu Teal Demonstration General and Technical High School and Bavet General and Technical High School. This initiative, funded by Chevron, aligns with the company’s commitment to empowering communities through education and public health initiatives. The closing workshop was presided over by H.E. Prof. Dr. Bo Chankoulika, Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), and brought together over 50 stakeholders, including representatives from Chevron, SEAOHUN, government agencies, and 10 general and technical high schools.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Bo Chankoulika, Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS)

Scaling Up One Health Education in Cambodia

H.E. Prof. Dr. Bo Chankoulika, Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), presided over the closing workshop, emphasizing her strong support for scaling up the One Health initiative to all 22 general and technical high schools and beyond. She underscored the project’s significance for students, teachers, and communities and advocated for extending One Health awareness programs to MoEYS officials, particularly regarding food safety and the impact of unhealthy habits such as excessive alcohol consumption.

She highlighted that One Health concepts align with Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy and MoEYS policies, including student health initiatives through school feeding programs and school food quality regulations. Additionally, she stressed the importance of mental health, advocating for its inclusion in future One Health projects. Reaffirming her commitment, she expressed interest in integrating One Health concepts into MoEYS' broader educational initiatives.

Reflections on Achievements and the Path Forward

Dr. Songheang Ai, Center Director of SEAMEO TED and Project Manager, recapped the project's progress and achievements, emphasizing overwhelmingly positive feedback from evaluations. The initiative successfully conducted seven key activities, including a kick-off workshop, three school-based awareness sessions for teachers and students, and three community engagement activities. Participants deepened their understanding of One Health concepts, food safety, and zoonotic diseases. In closing, he called on Chevron and SEAOHUN to support the project's expansion to more schools. Ms. Teechawan Yanudom, Chevron representative, reaffirmed Chevron’s commitment to being a partner of choice in supporting public health and education. She highlighted the development of a Cambodia-specific One Health module as a key achievement and expressed confidence that SEAMEO TED and its partners would build on this foundation for sustainable expansion. She thanked all participants for their dedication, recognizing the collaborative effort in raising One Health awareness.

SEAOHUN representative Ms. Juthamanee Areeya extended gratitude to SEAMEO TED and MoEYS for their leadership and ongoing support, emphasizing that integrating One Health into education is key to preparing future generations to tackle global health challenges.