About VVOB in Cambodia

VVOB – education for development has worked in close partnership with Cambodia’s Ministry of Education and partners since 2003. Our mission is to strengthen teachers and school leaders, so every child has access to quality, equitable education. Guided by our values of quality, integrity, respect, commitment, and innovation, we partner with national institutions to create lasting change in Cambodia’s education system.   

The context in Cambodia 

Cambodia has made impressive progress in expanding access to education. Yet too many learners leave primary school without mastering foundational skills, especially mathematics. National assessments show persistent gaps in early grade learning, which directly affect children’s chances of success later in school. Gender norms further limit girls’ opportunities: although girls perform on par with boys in maths, they are less likely to pursue it because of societal expectations. Teachers are dedicated, yet they often lack sufficient opportunities for ongoing professional development. Without urgent attention to these challenges, many learners risk being left behind. 

Our Solution 

To address these systemic challenges, VVOB partners with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) and teacher education institutions to strengthen teacher capacity at all levels.  Over the years, we have supported national efforts on gender-responsive pedagogy, inclusive education, and professional development, and today we continue this work with a focus on early grade mathematics. We equip teachers and teacher educators with stronger subject knowledge, inclusive practices and effective pedagogy while ensuring all interventions are aligned with national policies, and priorities to guarantee ownership, sustainability and lasting impact. 

Evidence of Success 

For over 20 years, VVOB has supported Cambodia’s education system. Our contributions include: 

  • Establishing long-term MoEYS task forces and core groups that continue to drive improvements in teacher professional development.
  • Supporting the integration of gender-responsive pedagogy in teacher education curricula.
  • Building national expertise in effective, evidence-based approaches to professional development.
  • Contributing to national reforms such as the Teacher Policy Action Plan, the Teacher Career Pathway, and Education Strategic Plan.
  • Strengthening teacher education colleges as centres of innovation and professional learning. 

Through our work, we are proving that it is possible to boost maths teaching quality in early grades while also tackling entrenched gender stereotypes and advancing inclusion. This dual focus on learning outcomes and equity is central to our success. 

The Opportunity 

Cambodia’s education system is evolving rapidly. The government is prioritising digital learning, skills for a green economy, and equity across all levels of education. Building on SMILE’s success, VVOB is ready to: 

  • Scale effective approaches in early grade maths to reach more learners.
  • Deepen gender-transformative pedagogy to challenge harmful stereotypes system-wide.
  • Expand support for school leadership, ensuring reforms are sustained at every level.
  • Explore opportunities in skills for sustainable futures, aligning education with Cambodia’s green and digital transition. 

With the right support, these opportunities can accelerate Cambodia’s progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4: quality education for all. 

Partners 

Partnership is central to VVOB’s approach. In Cambodia, we collaborate with: 

  • The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) – the duty bearer for the right to education, ensuring national ownership.
  • Provincial and District Offices of Education – driving reform at the point of teaching and learning.
  • Teacher Education Institutions  – preparing future teachers, supporting in-service professional development, and fostering inclusive, learner-centred practices. 

Our work is made possible through support from the Belgian government (DGD) and global networks such as the UNESCO Teacher Task Force. These connections ensure Cambodian experiences inform global debates, while global evidence strengthens classrooms here. 

Join Us

For over 20 years, VVOB in Cambodia has stood with our partners to advance the right to quality education. We strengthen the capacity of teachers and school leaders so that every child can learn, grow, and succeed. Looking forward, we are ready to scale proven solutions, embrace innovation, and respond to Cambodia’s evolving needs and education priorities. 

With your partnership, we can expand what works and ensure every child in Cambodia has the opportunity to thrive. 

Contact us