Building a Pathway from School Readiness to Primary Education in Boeung Trabek Slum.
Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s growing capital, yet not every family shares equally in its opportunities. Along the Boeung Trabek canal, families in an urban informal settlement work hard to build better futures for their children, but education-related costs and another barriers can still keep children from the classroom.
According to the community household survey conducted in September 2025, found a low participation in early childhood education among children aged 2 to 4 and among five-year-olds preparing for primary school. Among primary school-age children, approximately 70% were attending school, while 30% were not, of whom 60% were boys and 40% were girls, with financial hardship, missing documents, migration, learning difficulties, and the costs of transportation, food, uniforms, materials, and additional classes among the barriers families face.
“If hardship forces you to leave school today, leaving school may bring even greater hardship tomorrow.”
Shared during the campaign, this message encouraged parents and caregivers to see education as a foundation for their children’s future, especially when present difficulties make continuing school feel uncertain.
Bringing Enrollment Support Directly to Families
On 5 October 2026, ChorogUsan for Children, through the Boeung Trabek Child Development Project (BT-CDP), organized a School Enrollment Campaign in Villages 4 and 5, Sangkat Phsar Daem Thkov, Khan Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh.
In collaboration with Hun Neang Primary School, village leaders, teachers, students, families, and local stakeholders, the campaign brought practical enrollment information directly into the community. Campaign participants encouraged out-of-school children and children reaching school age to enroll in public school, while helping families understand registration procedures, required documents, and available support.
Under the theme “Every Child in School, Every Future Bright,” the campaign helped identify children needing additional assistance and strengthened the connection among families, the school, community leaders, and the BT-CDP team. The campaign directly engaged 53 people, including 31 students (40% girls), 5 teachers, and 17 staff members, representing a total of 29 women and girls and 24 men and boys. Through community outreach and awareness-raising activities, the campaign also reached approximately 1,500 people in the surrounding communities.
Supporting Children Before and After Enrollment
For BT-CDP, enrollment is not a stand-alone activity. It is part of a continuous education pathway provided through the ChorogUsan Child Development Center.
Before primary school, children in the center’s School Readiness Class for five-year-olds develop the foundational skills, routines, confidence, and familiarity they need to transition into Grade 1. When the public-school enrollment period begins, the BT-CDP team works with families and the school to help eligible children complete registration and enter formal education at the appropriate age.
Support continues after enrollment. Children in early primary grades can participate in after-class learning at the center, where they receive additional help to understand lessons, strengthen essential skills, complete schoolwork, and remain engaged in learning. This connection between school readiness, timely Grade 1 enrollment, and after-class support is vital for children who may otherwise begin school unprepared or struggle to keep pace.
The School Enrollment Campaign is part of the Boeung Trabek Child Development Project (2025–2028), a community-based initiative supporting vulnerable children and families living along the Boeung Trabek canal. Through early childhood care, education, nutrition and health support, child protection, and caregiver engagement, the project helps children build a stronger foundation for learning and development.
The campaign did not end when the community outreach activity finished. The BT-CDP team will continue working with families, Hun Neang Primary School, village leaders, and local stakeholders to follow children’s enrollment and initial attendance, respond to continuing barriers, and connect eligible children with learning materials and appropriate support.
In a city full of opportunity, a child’s future should not be determined by the community in which they grow up or the difficulties their family faces today. With committed families, supportive schools, strong community partnerships, and continued investment in children’s education, more children can begin Grade 1 prepared, remain in school, and move forward with confidence.
Enrollment opens the classroom door. Continued support helps a child stay, learn, and thrive.
