PHNOM PENH: The government of South Korea has pledged US$500,000 to support children and families affected by the recent Cambodia–Thailand border conflict, with the funding expected to help more than 24,000 children return safely to school after months of disruption.
Announced in a joint press release with UNICEF Cambodia, the contribution will finance a 12-month integrated programme covering education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and child protection services, all aimed at accelerating recovery in conflict-affected communities and strengthening long-term resilience.
UNICEF will work alongside national and sub-national authorities to ensure displaced and vulnerable children can regain access to education, recover lost learning and study in safer environments, while benefiting from improved protection services.
“South Korea stands with the people of Cambodia during this difficult moment,” said ambassador Kim Chang-yong.
“We hope this contribution will support children’s safe return to school, access to clean water and essential protection services, while helping communities recover and build resilience,” he added.
“Investing in the future of younger generations is a priority for the Republic of Korea, and we are proud partners with UNICEF to ensure timely and meaningful assistance for those who need it most,” he continued.
The funding will support the rapid reopening of safe learning spaces through temporary classrooms, digital learning tools and remedial teaching programmes designed to help students catch up academically following prolonged interruptions.
At least 20,000 students and teachers are also expected to benefit from rehabilitated WASH facilities in damaged schools and the distribution of essential hygiene supplies, improving health conditions in classrooms as communities rebuild.
Beyond education, the initiative will strengthen community-based child protection mechanisms by training 100 frontline workers, expanding child-friendly spaces, and promoting child protection in emergencies standards to ensure affected children receive timely care and support.
UNICEF Cambodia representative Will Parks described the contribution as arriving at a critical juncture for families struggling to regain stability.
“This generous support from South Korea comes at a critical time for children and families who have faced significant challenges,” he said.
“By investing in education, WASH and child protection, this intervention will help children regain stability, return to learning safely and access the services they need to recover and thrive,” he added.
Both South Korea and UNICEF expressed hopes that the assistance would advance recovery efforts in border areas and help restore a sense of normalcy for children whose education and daily lives were disrupted by the conflict.
The latest contribution underscores growing international support for Cambodia’s humanitarian recovery, with a strong focus on safeguarding education and ensuring that conflict-affected children can learn in safe, healthy environments while rebuilding their futures. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
