When Was the Last Time Math Made You Smile?

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — 23 September 2026: For many of us, mathematics brings back memories of counting on our fingers, second-guessing our answers, or hoping the teacher wouldn't call our name. For thousands of young learners across Cambodia’s Kampot, Kep and Kampong Thom provinces, that experience is changing. 

On 23 September, 2026, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), VVOB – education for development, and partners celebrated the conclusion of the Strengthening Mathematics through Inclusive, Level-appropriate Education (SMILE) programme, a five-year partnership dedicated to strengthening early grade mathematics and capacity within Cambodia's education system. 

The SMILE journey began with a clear challenge. In 2020, Cambodia's national learning assessment found that Grade 3 learners could correctly answer only four out of ten basic mathematics questions. The findings highlighted the need to strengthen mathematics from the earliest years of primary school, helping establish early grade mathematics as one of the Ministry's key education priorities.  

Launched in 2022, SMILE focused on the people closest to the classroom. Teachers received practical professional development, classroom coaching and ongoing mentoring, while school leaders and mentors strengthened continuous professional support. A national Core Expert Group, bringing together specialists from across MoEYS departments and teacher education institutions, also helped improve the quality and consistency of early grade mathematics teacher training across the country, embedding expertise within the Ministry. 

Five years later, the SMILE Programme Evaluation (2022–2026) found encouraging evidence that learners in SMILE-supported schools achieved stronger mathematics results than learners in comparison schools. The greatest improvements were seen in addition and subtraction; girls and boys benefited similarly, and teachers reported greater confidence in applying what they had learned through training and mentoring. 

“Although the VVOB programme is concluding, this is not the end of our collective effort, but rather a starting point to continue utilising, sharing, and strengthening the best practices gained from the SMILE programme.” “Embedding this knowledge, skills, and tools into the ongoing operations of the ministry, relevant entities, and schools will ensure long-term sustainability and long-term benefits for our Cambodian young learners.”  said His Excellency Dr Hang Chuon Naron.  

VVOB in Cambodia’s Country Programme Manager, Roger Cabiles, also recognised the achievements of SMILE as part of a ”much bigger journey of education reform led by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS).” 

“What gives us confidence as we leave is that some of the most meaningful signs of impact are found in how a teacher teaches, how a mentor supports, and how a learner experiences inclusive learning,” Roger Cabiles concluded. “Together they became parts of a much bigger process of system change toward Quality Education led by MoEYS.” 

Behind the SMILE’s legacy are school leaders who championed continuous learning, mentors who walked alongside teachers, teachers who tried new teaching approaches, and learners who discovered they could actually enjoy mathematics. 

During the closing celebration, participants were invited to answer one simple question: "What does SMILE mean to you?" 

Their answers, gathered in real time into a shared word cloud, became a collective reflection of five years of learning, partnership and shared commitment to strengthening Early Grade Mathematics in Cambodia. 

Although the programme is coming to an end, its legacy continues. 

The mentoring systems, teacher expertise and leadership developed through SMILE remain within Cambodia's education system, and will be carried forward by the Ministry, school leaders, mentors, teachers and partners who will continue helping young learners build strong foundations in mathematics for years to come. 

To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you for making Cambodia SMILE. 

Read the SMILE programme evaluation here.