CIESF's Initiative to Transform Cambodian Education through Model Schools

Improving Cambodian Education with CIESF

In a commendable effort to uplift the standards of public education in Cambodia, the public interest incorporated foundation CIESF (Center for International Education and Student Finance) has been operational since 2008. Based in Shibuya, Tokyo, under the leadership of Director Hideo Okubo, CIESF seeks to establish a model integrated school system for early childhood through secondary education, aiming to expand the highest quality education across the nation. To support this cause, a crowdfunding campaign will launch on July 15, 2025, to facilitate further enhancement of educational quality.

Historical Context: Cambodian Education Evolution

Over the past two decades, Cambodia has witnessed significant changes in its educational sphere. According to data from 2024, primary school completion rates have reached 82%, marking substantial progress. Nonetheless, despite improvements, the quality of education still lags behind global standards. The OECD's 2022 PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) results positioned Cambodia at the bottom in reading, science, and mathematics skills among 81 participating countries.

While urban areas have seen a rise in international schools offering high-quality education, the high tuition fees create a barrier for most students, leading to increased educational disparities. Several NGOs have stepped in, operating schools by dispatching foreign teachers; however, the sustainability of such aid remains uncertain. Continued reliance on overseas assistance hampers self-sufficiency in the education system, as domestic educational reforms remain sluggish.

CIESF's Solutions: Fostering Self-Sufficiency in Education

To combat the circular nature of unending aid and foster national independence, CIESF established the CIESF Leaders Academy (CLA) in 2016. CLA serves as a model school with a vision of nurturing leaders who aspire to contribute positively to global society. Located in suburban Phnom Penh, CLA offers curricula that include Cambodia’s national qualifications. Currently, approximately 200 students from nursery to sixth grade study within the same facilities.

By providing a collaborative learning environment that employs ICT for personalized education, CLA is committed to fostering not only academic skills but also holistic human development. After a decade, Cambodian teachers at CLA have nearly achieved autonomy in their teaching practices, attracting the attention of the Cambodian Ministry of Education.

Additionally, CLA is translating an AI-assisted math drill into Khmer to ensure resources can be utilized effectively in public education, marking a promising step toward realizing its vision.

Goals of the Crowdfunding Campaign

Through the upcoming crowdfunding initiative, CLA aims to implement STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics), beginning with establishing facilities and acquiring resources necessary for integrating the arts into the curriculum. Although public schools allocate one hour of art education weekly, the lack of qualified teachers often renders these classes ineffective. CLA desires to reignite the arts—lost during the Khmer Rouge regime—by enhancing classrooms and procuring instruments and art supplies, thus nurturing cultural ties and develop rich human qualities among students.

Furthermore, expanding and improving outdoor grounds will not only promote physical education but will also serve as an educational farm, allowing students to engage with nature and learn through their senses.

As part of this exploration-driven learning philosophy, CLA treasures the pursuit of knowledge through diverse experiences beyond traditional classroom environments.

About the Crowdfunding Initiative

- Duration of Campaign: July 15, 2025 - September 30, 2025
- Target Amount: 3 million yen

For additional information on the crowdfunding campaign, visit the following link: CIESF Crowdfunding Campaign
This project is also recognized under the “K’s House NPO Grant Program,” where K's House Corporation pledges to cover donation processing fees to ensure that every yen goes directly to supporting the NPO. Successful fundraising will also enable additional grants to achieving organizations, underpinning efforts to enhance the quality of life for refugees and foreign residents both in Japan and abroad.

CIESF aims to cultivate a better society through quality education, and with your support, these aspirations can be realized!