Press Release: Developing Teachers to Raise One-Health Awareness at General and Technical High Schools in Cambodia

Kampong Chhnang, 02 July 2024 – The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Technical Education Development (SEAMEO TED) and the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN) have jointly launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing One Health awareness among students and teachers in Cambodia. This project is funded by Chevron which strives to empower people around the world to improve their lives, achieve their ambitions and meet their full potential.

H.E prof. Dr. Bo Chankoulika, under-secretary of state, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport presided over the kickoff workshop and expressed her strong supports to implement the important project for the benefits of students, teachers, and community members in terms of one-health concepts aligning with the key actions set out by the Prime Minister focusing on Paying High Attention to Students’ Health through feeding nutritious food to children and regulating the food quality sold within the schools. She emphasized the importance of students health as it affects their academic performance. She inserted that research shows students with good health perfom better academically and tend to have better memory. She also pointed out that approximately 12% of Cambodians suffer from mental health problem, highest among countries in the region. Thus, she adovcates that mental health should be given a strong emphasis in the training module. She also stressed that “I would like all participants as school management, teachers, and relevant technical department representatives to support and accelerate the project implementation to achieve its objectives for the duration of five months from July to November 2024”.

The initiative focuses on several key objectives. Firstly, it aims to develop a comprehensive training module on the One Health concept specifically tailored for technical education teachers at general and technical high schools in Cambodia. Secondly, the project seeks to build the capacity of nine selected technical education teachers, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct effective One Health awareness programs. Lastly, the project aspires to increase One Health awareness among teachers, students, and the broader community surrounding the schools.

The kickoff workshop, held at Samdech Preah Bat Borum Neat Norodum Sihamoni General and Technical High School, marked the beginning of this important initiative. The event attracted 54 participants, including the representatives from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, as well as delegates from various general and technical high schools.

The workshop served as a crucial platform to garner support from key stakeholders. The engagement of these stakeholders is vital for the successful implementation and sustainability of the project. Participants discussed strategies for integrating the One Health concept into the existing curriculum and explored ways to foster a culture of health awareness within the educational community.

Dr. Songheang Ai, Center Director of SEAMEO TED, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We are excited to commence this project that aims to foster a better understanding of One Health concepts among teachers and students in Cambodia. This initiative aligns with our mission to enhance education and community health."

Dr. Tongkorn Meeyam, Executive Director of SEAOHUN, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, saying, "We are thrilled to launch this collaborative project that aims to build a strong foundation of One Health knowledge among educators in Cambodia. By empowering teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge, we are not only enhancing the education system but also fostering a community that is better prepared to address health challenges from a holistic perspective. This initiative reflects our commitment to developing a competent One Health workforce capable of making significant contributions to public health and sustainable development and promoting One Health education at all levels."

What is One Health?

One Health is a collaborative approach—working at the local, regional, national, and global levels—with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. Schools play a key role in the development of knowledge, positive attitude, and behaviors early in life, incorporating the One Health concept into the school curriculum will help children understand the interdependencies between humans and animals in a shared environment and develop long-lasting preventative behaviors to be less prone to zoonotic diseases. Additionally, children can bring the concept home to their parents and the greater community.

About SEAMEO TED

The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Technical Education Development (SEAMEO TED) is one of the 26 SEAMEO centers, based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. SEAMEO TED assists SEAMEO member countries in identifying technical education problems and finding alternative solutions through capacity-building programs, research and development, and public relations and partnership for supporting administrators, technical teachers, management of technical and vocational high schools and colleges. Currently there are 87 technical and vocational high schools/colleges as the members of Southeast Asian Technical and Vocational High School/College Network from all 11 SEAMEO country members working collectively.

About SEAOHUN

The Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN), established in 2011, is an academic and research network promoting the One Health concept. Comprising over 100 educational institutions from eight ASEAN countries, SEAOHUN builds professional capacity to address complex One Health issues, conducts research for evidence-based decision-making, and assists governments with public health surge capacity. The SEAOHUN Secretariat is located in Mueang district, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

About Chevron

Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. We provide affordable, reliable, and ever-cleaner energy to people in the Eurasia Pacific region that is essential to achieving a more prosperous and sustainable world. In Cambodia, Chevron (Cambodia) Limited markets automotive fuels and products under the Caltex® brand at 76 service stations, 40 of which are in Phnom Penh. Of the total number, 17 are company-owned, and 59 are owned by retailers. We operate 24 Star Mart® convenience stores and 72 Coffee Plus® gourmet cafés. In addition, we support the community through health, education, and safety initiatives.

Media Contacts:

SEAMEO TED

Songheang Ai, Ph.D

Alternate SOCA Leader for Cambodia, Center Director of Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, Regional Center for Technical Education Development (SEAMEO TED)

Email: song.heang@yahoo.com What’s Up/Telegram: 855-12-527-117

Chevron (Cambodia) Limited

Uzma Nawawi

Corporate Affairs Manager – Southeast Asia

T +603 2289 6688

M +6017 521 9294

uzma.nawawi@chevron.com