UK minister backs schooling for displaced Cambodian children

Photo courtesy of the British Embassy

A UK minister has visited a conflict-affected community in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province, pledging continued support for children whose education has been disrupted by recent fighting near the Thai border.

Visit to a local school

Rosie Winterton, the UK minister for the Indo-Pacific, travelled to Kork Prasat Primary School in Pha-ong village, Samrong city, to see how the conflict has affected families and the local education system.

She observed a UK-funded education programme for children displaced by the fighting, met pupils and spoke with families and community leaders about their immediate priorities. The visit focused on keeping children connected to learning while communities recover.

Education at the centre of recovery

Oddar Meanchey Governor Mean Chanyada said the visit showed international concern for restoring education and giving affected children hope. He said peace was essential if young people were to keep their opportunity to learn and develop.

For displaced families, schooling can become difficult when homes, transport routes and normal routines are disrupted. Maintaining access to classrooms gives children structure during an unsettled period and helps reduce the longer-term effects of displacement.

Continuing UK support

The British Embassy said the United Kingdom would continue working with Cambodian partners to support affected communities, help children stay in school and encourage peaceful dialogue and cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand.

The discussions also covered how assistance can respond to local needs as communities work to restore education facilities. For parents, the central concern is straightforward: ensuring their children can continue learning safely despite the disruption around them.

The visit placed that concern at the centre of the recovery effort, linking practical support for schools with a broader call for stability in the border area.

26 August 2026