Cambodian ministry and APLE team up to enhance online safety education through a new initiative
A comprehensive evaluation at the end of the three-year period will assess the project’s impact, informing future strategies for expansion and ensuring its continued relevance in safeguarding Cambodian children in the digital age.
The Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) and Action Pour Les Enfants (APLE) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement the ‘Promoting Internet Safety in Education’ project. That initiative promotes child online safety by integrating lessons on recognising and reporting online threats, such as grooming and coercion, into school curricula.
The project also aims to strengthen the capacities of educational institutions, including ministry departments and schools, while providing tailored resources and training for teachers to deliver online safety content. It involves collaboration with key stakeholders, including school administrations, teachers, education officials, parents, community members, and children, to foster a safer digital environment.
However, challenges such as limited resources and low awareness among parents and children pose significant barriers to implementation. The initial phase focuses on seven provinces, with plans for further expansion based on the project’s success.
Why does it matter?
APLE’s strong commitment to combating online sexual abuse and human trafficking reflects the urgency of addressing these critical issues in today’s digital society. The initiative aligns with national education strategies and ensures sustainability by equipping educators and students with the tools to navigate the internet safely.
Additionally, the project includes a comprehensive evaluation after three years to assess its impact and inform potential expansion to other provinces. That effort underscores the importance of empowering communities to prevent and report online exploitation effectively, creating a lasting effect on child safety.