On December 6, 2010, University of Cambodia (UC) Deputy Director of Academic Foundation Department (AFD), Mr. Song Sophoat, attended the graduation ceremony held at the National Institute of Education (NIE). Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen presided over the ceremony, which was attended by about 1,300 people. The ceremony was to confer degrees for graduate teachers of basic education and for those with a higher level (Bachelor + 1) diploma. The total number of teachers graduating was 1,280, of whom 390 were female.
In his keynote speech, H.E. Im Sethy (Minister of Education, Youth and Sports) noted that his ministry had issued its Education Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 in order to support the national education program. The goals of the strategic plan are (1) to ensure the equity of enrollment, (2) to enhance the quality and effectiveness of education and (3) to ensure staff development and institutes’ good management. Additionally, the ministry issued policies for curriculum development, strategies on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education, and policies for child-friendly schools and the development of a research program in education. This event is important for the UC community, because it stresses how the government of Cambodia is focusing on the development and quality of the country’s educational system.
