A year after armed events along the border caused many residents to lose their homes and flee, the greatest dream of many displaced children is to return to school, continue their studies and build their futures.
The war left severe effects: some schools, homes and infrastructure were damaged, while many residents, including children, had to live in temporary accommodation centres. Despite difficult conditions, the children continued to show a strong desire and determination to study, believing education to be the key to their future.
Grade-five pupil យ៉ាន ស្រីរ័ត្ន, from the អានសេះ area and now living in a temporary accommodation centre in តាកឹងបៃតង village, ថ្មី commune, គូលែន district, Preah Vihear province, recounted through tears that she had been studying in class when explosions were suddenly heard and shells fell near the school, forcing the pupils to flee in fear.
She expressed the pain caused by war in simple but meaningful words: “I do not want to see that war.”
For many displaced children, returning to school is both a dream and a hope of rebuilding their lives. They see education as an important foundation for developing their own abilities and contributing to their country’s society in the future. Support from relevant authorities, development partners and communities is therefore essential to ensuring these children can continue their education without disruption.
According to the report, July 24, 2026 marks one year since the armed events that began on July 24, 2025 in the ប្រាសាទតាមាន់ធំ area before spreading to parts of the Cambodia–Thailand border. The events caused deaths, injuries, family separation and extensive property damage, and left psychological wounds among many residents.
A year has passed, but memories of the war’s effects remain with residents. Meanwhile, displaced children’s wish to return to school has become a symbol of hope, peace and a better future for Cambodia. The Royal Government and the Cambodian people continue to express their commitment to maintaining peace, stability and national sovereignty so that such painful events do not recur.
By: Pai Sokhim
