Kampong Cham town: In the context of Cambodia striving toward its Vision 2030 to become an upper-middle-income country and Vision 2050 as a developed nation, investing in human resources is paramount. The "Education for Youth Employment (EYE)" project was established to respond to the rapidly evolving labour market demands and to reduce youth dropout rates by bridging formal and non-formal education on 26 February 2026. The EYE project launched and presided over by H.E. Dr. Chan Sophea, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, through a collaboration between Kampuchea Action to Promote Education (KAPE), Buddhism for Social Development Action Organization (BSDA), and WeWorld. This project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through ChildFund Germany.

 

The primary reason for the EYE project's inception is the observed gap between the skills youth possess and the actual requirements of the private sector. Particularly in rural areas, many youths believe that short-term vocational skills cannot compete with higher academic degrees. The EYE project intervenes by filling this gap through career orientation, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and digital capacity building, ensuring that youth possess not just knowledge, but "marketable skills" for a robust professional future.

 

Mr. Sao Vanna, KAPE’s Executive Director, highlighted the organization’s role in educational collaboration that "KAPE has always served as a close strategic partner to the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS) in improving the quality of education in Cambodia. Through the EYE project, we aim to strengthen educational quality and vocational skills, build technical capacity and soft skills, and connect youth to job markets and business opportunities. We believe that youth are the vital energy and the foundation of socio-economic development, as outlined in the Royal Government's Pentagonal Strategy. Our work in this project will focus on reducing dropouts and ensuring every child and youth receives knowledge and skills relevant to the 21st century."

 

Following this commitment to educational quality, His Excellency Dr. Chan Sophea provided a vision for modernizing education in the AI era​ that "In this digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) age, educational innovation in Cambodia must pivot toward the 'New Educational Track' launched in early 2026. The collaboration between MoEYS and KAPE is an excellent model of integrating academic learning with vocational training. We do not want our citizens to go abroad just to sell their manual labour; we want them to sell their skills. The EYE project will actively participate in orienting students to recognize their true potential from primary to secondary levels, allowing them to choose the right path—be it STEM, Social Sciences, or Vocational tracks. This is about nurturing human resources who are tech-savvy and can leverage AI as a tool in their future careers."

 

This multi-stakeholder collaboration is further reinforced by on-the-ground implementation. Mr. Tom Titona, EYE Project Manager, explained the focus on employability at target schools that "The EYE project will be implemented over three years (2025-2028) in three target provinces including Kampong Cham, Tboung Khmum, and Kampong Chhnang, covering a total of 38 schools. We focus on five core pillars such as Capacity Building, Stakeholder-led Initiatives, Model School Standards, Child Rights, and Youth Entrepreneurship. In target secondary and high schools, we will establish 'Youth Rooms' for career counselling and student entrepreneurship training, allowing them to learn how to run small businesses within their schools. We expect that by setting up 21st-century libraries, providing ICT and AI training, and offering scholarships to vulnerable students, youth in our target areas will be well-equipped to seize at least 150 job opportunities coordinated through our partners WeWorld and ChildFund Germany."

 

To ensure the training is technically rigorous, Ms. Un Chanthy, Project Assistant at BSDA, reflected on the TVET collaboration that "As an implementing partner alongside KAPE and MoEYS, BSDA—through the Smile School—is tasked with providing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to school dropouts and youth from low-income families. We offer training in four key areas including Hospitality, Beauty Therapy, Electronics, and Mechanics. This collaboration allows youth to earn certificates recognized by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training. Smile School doesn't just teach theory; we provide accommodation, three meals a day, and hands-on internships at partner shops and our social enterprises, such as Smile Restaurant and Hanchey Bamboo Resort, etc. After graduation, we provide a three-year follow-up program to ensure they have stable employment or can successfully run their own businesses."

 

Summary of EYE Project Components as follows:

• Beneficiaries: Approximately 10,000 individuals, including in-school students and out-of-school youth.
• Target Provinces: Kampong Cham (Srey Santhor, Kang Meas, Prey Chhor), Tboung Khmum (Krouch Chhmar), and Kampong Chhnang (Rolea B'ier, Teuk Phos, Boribou).
• Target Schools: Total of 38 schools (30 Primary, 4 Lower Secondary, and 4 High Schools).
• Stakeholders: MoEYS, MLVT, sub-national authorities, KAPE, BSDA, WeWorld, and BMZ donor via ChildFund Germany.

 

The benefits of the EYE project for Cambodian youth in the 21st century go far beyond textbook learning. It provides the "weapons" of technical skills, digital intelligence, and an entrepreneurial mindset—essential requirements in a rapidly changing world. This project empowers youth to be self-confident, independent, and active contributors to the national economy. In a world led by AI and technology, the EYE project serves as the bridge for Cambodian youth to transition from manual labour to skill-based expertise for the betterment of their futures and the nation.

 

 

Pease click here to read the EYE project profile!