Jarai, the language spoken by the Jarai people, will be announced for inclusion in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport’s multilingual education programme on January 27, 2026, in Ratanakiri. The ministry has prepared and translated Jarai textbooks and learning materials to supplement the programme, with pilot implementation planned at seven primary schools in O’Yadav and Andoung Meas districts of the province.
According to the ministry’s press release, Education, Youth and Sport Minister Hang Chuon Naron will preside over the ceremony announcing Jarai’s inclusion. The ministry has implemented multilingual education since 2003 through multilingual literacy, or bilingual literacy, for non-formal education, and multilingual education, or bilingual education, for formal schooling.
The programme has full government support and support from UNICEF, the Capacity Development Partnership Fund (CDPF), the European Union, Aide et Action (AEA), International Cooperation Cambodia (ICC), CARE Cambodia, NTFP, Plan International and other development partners and associations that have worked and continue to work with Cambodia’s Indigenous communities.
The multilingual education programme has been providing education from preschool to Grade 3 to about 7,500 children from Indigenous communities, and employment opportunities for around 400 Indigenous teachers each year at target schools in Ratanakiri, Stung Treng, Kratie, Mondulkiri and Preah Vihear provinces.
By: Nget Pisant
