The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will put into use five new buildings at Battambang Teacher Education College in Battambang province on April 11.

Education minister Hang Chuon Naron and Atsushi Karimata, deputy chief of mission at the Japanese embassy in Phnom Penh, will preside over the inauguration ceremony for the five buildings, which will be used for administration, study, library, multipurpose hall and student dormitory.

The upgrades of buildings and infrastructure at the college have been supported by a grant from the Japanese government through JICA.

The project was initiated to strengthen the infrastructure of two teachers colleges -- one in Phnom Penh and the other in Battambang -- to turn them into teacher education colleges that offer four-year bachelor's degree programmes.

The education ministry said in a press statement on April 8 that the project is expected to contribute to improving the quality of education at primary and secondary schools.

It said the buildings at this college are also equipped with laboratory equipment, computer room, and music and art room to improve learning and teaching.

It said JICA is also implementing technical support project to develop bachelor's degree programmes, teaching and exam materials, college management system, and other strategic documents for upgrading qualification of teachers.

“This good cooperation will contribute actively to the government's efforts and other development partners in response to the priority need for teacher education reform in Cambodia,” the statement said.