Battambang: On the afternoon of May 18, 2026, Mr. Heng Sour, Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, led the Board of Directors of the Cambodian Decent Employment and Employment Programme (DEY III), including Ms. Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Cambodia and Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of DEY III, representatives of ILO, SDC, UNESCO and other development partners, to visit the implementation of the Basic Education Equivalency Programme (BEEP) at the Battambang Institute of Technology (BIT) to understand the process and positive impacts of the programme in supporting dropout students, developing skills, as well as the challenges and future employment for trainees after graduation.
The Minister highly appreciated the progress of the BEEP program implemented by the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, with the support of UNESCO and other development partners, which has become a good example of collaboration between ministries. By providing flexible and convenient learning opportunities, the program allows dropouts and out-of-school youth to continue their education without affecting their livelihoods.
The visit clearly reaffirmed an undeniable truth: the important link between education, modern skills development, and the real needs of the labor market must continue to be strengthened. As Cambodia continues its journey towards strong socio-economic development, investment in human resources remains a cornerstone of the Royal Government’s priorities under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
On that occasion, students at the BEEP program centers also presented their experiences and successes to the Board of Directors. They are former dropouts for various reasons, but the BEEP program has given them the opportunity to build a future again through online distance learning options. Young Sim Theara said that after completing grade 9, she enrolled in electrical engineering courses at levels C1, C2 and C3 and continued on to a technical diploma in the same field. On behalf of her classmates, she expressed her deep gratitude to the BEEP program for giving her and other young people a second chance, and requested that the program be continued, and encouraged young people who had dropped out of school not to be discouraged and return to such a program.
The UN agency representative in Cambodia expressed interest and appreciation for the students’ struggle to learn in both subjects. And vocational training until they get a job with a decent salary to support themselves, their families, and the national society. Ms. Vladanka Andreeva said that the UN in Cambodia will continue to work with the Royal Government of Cambodia to ensure that citizens have equal rights, especially in equitable education. She encouraged the students not to stop at this level of education but to strive to move forward.
Mr. Heng Sour praised the students for their perseverance in continuing to various professional programs. And through your example, the program is attracting other young people to return to school to gain the same opportunities as you. He highlighted that the BEEP program is an important bridge that connects young people back to formal vocational education and training, which provides job opportunities that meet the needs of the market. The Minister said that the Royal Government will continue the program so that the next generation of young people have the opportunity to build a new future through the BEEP program, which has become a UNESCO symbol in collaboration with the two ministries. He expressed his deep gratitude to SDC, UN agencies, development partners, and all relevant ministries and institutions for their commitment to making these important programs a reality.
The DEY III program is a joint initiative between the Royal Government of Cambodia, the United Nations, and the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC) that has supported more than 30,000 young people, especially youth from vulnerable groups. In accessing opportunities for skills development, employment and entrepreneurship, and strengthening policies and systems to promote decent work in Cambodia.
