The EU on Wednesday launched the new phase of a multi-agency supported programme aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s education sector.

The Capacity Development Partnership Fund (CDPF), which was started in 2011, has entered its third and final phase which will cost $27 million over four years (2018-2021), according to a joint statement seen by The Post on Wednesday.

Led by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the programme is funded by the EU, the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), USAID, Unicef and the Global Partnership for Education (Gep).

Education Ministry secretary of state Nath Bunroeun stressed the importance of CDPF in ensuring every child in Cambodia can receive inclusive, equitable and quality education in more conducive learning environments.

EU Ambassador to Cambodia George Edgar said he strongly believes in the approach that the Education Ministry and other agencies decided to take on capacity development.

He said the final phase of the programme will be built on the successes of previous phases and provide efficient and effective educational services for school-age children in the country.

Acting Unicef representative to Cambodia Natascha Paddison applauded the “remarkable transformation” of Cambodia’s education system.

“Given Cambodia’s history, the transformation of the country’s education system has been nothing short of remarkable,” she said, adding that the “challenges remain, especially for students who come from more vulnerable and marginalised communities”.