Cambodia Urges Schools to Embrace Culture for New Year

UYFC

Cambodia’s Ministry of Education is calling on schools nationwide to lead the charge in preserving Khmer traditions during this year’s Khmer New Year celebrations, with a fresh set of cultural guidelines issued to schools and youth organisations.

In a notice released this week, the ministry set out four key points aimed at encouraging students to take part in traditional dances and games, while clamping down on newer, riskier trends that could overshadow cultural values.

Top of the list is a push for widespread participation in age-old customs, from the elegant Romvong and Rom Kbach dances to crowd favourites like Chol Chhoung and Bos Angkunh. These activities, the ministry says, are essential to safeguarding Khmer identity and passing cultural pride down to younger generations.

Schools are being asked to play an active role in this. Teachers, youth groups, and student councils have been tasked with not only encouraging involvement but also ensuring that events are run safely and respectfully.

However, not all festive habits are being welcomed. The ministry has warned against more modern additions to the holiday – like water fights and talcum powder throwing – which, though popular, are now seen as safety risks and culturally inappropriate in the school setting.

To support the effort, local education departments, parents, and community leaders are being urged to collaborate with schools, helping to both share information and manage any issues that arise during the celebrations.

The move reflects a broader push to blend celebration with cultural responsibility, aiming to keep the spirit of the Khmer New Year alive without losing sight of its roots.

-2025-04-04