Cambodia closes more than 550 independent schools

[geovalin]

Founded by the former publisher of the shuttered Cambodia Daily, the schools imparted free English and computer classes

 

More than 550 non-government schools funded by Japan Relief for Cambodia and the World Assistance for Cambodia (JRfC-WAfC) began closing on March 1 following an order from the Ministry of Education. No reason was given by local education officials for closing the rural-based primary and secondary schools that were part of the legacy left by Bernie Krisher, the former publisher of the independent newspaper Cambodia Daily.

 

A letter from Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron terminated the government’s agreement with JRfC-WAfC, requiring the organization to halt its activities in Cambodia.

 

The letter was posted on Facebook by teachers who worked at the schools, which specialized in English and computer skills, CamboJA News said. Cambodia Daily earned a fierce reputation for independent journalism and as a critic of the government. It was forced to close in 2017 after being handed an unexpected tax bill amid a crackdown on opposition dissent.

 

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