A February 11 report said border conflict had severely affected education. Air strikes and shelling damaged 27 schools in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang and Pursat provinces. Another 1,311 schools were temporarily forced to close, disrupting education for more than 300,000 students and 15,000 teachers. Preliminary economic losses were estimated at about US$6.2 million.
At a meeting reviewing the 2024–2025 school year and planning the new one, a secretary of state at the Education Ministry said repairs to damaged school buildings would cost about US$2.55 million in Oddar Meanchey, US$2.25 million in Banteay Meanchey and US$1.4 million in Preah Vihear. Many teachers and students were displaced during the conflict. The ministry urgently coordinated public schools, pagodas, refugee camps and community centres to establish temporary teaching sites. By January 2, more than 320,000 students had registered and resumed their studies.
Education authorities are working with development partners to build multifunctional temporary classrooms in several refugee camps and plan temporary schools at large camps in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey. Risks from unexploded munitions, damage to buildings and security conditions in some areas have kept 30 schools from reopening. About 3,000 students study in safe camps, while nearly 8,000 continue their education in provincial capitals.
Compiled by the editorial team.
