The Cambodian government on Monday launched its first nationwide policy for child development, aiming to enhance education, promote social welfare and strengthen protection for children in the Kingdom.

The multi-pronged plan was created by multiple ministries working together over the past three years and will require them to continue to cooperate to implement it, said Men Socheth, the secretary-general of the Cambodia National Council for Children, which is overseeing the policy.

“We want to improve the lives of children in Cambodia,” said Socheth.

The program will attempt to reduce the dropout rates of students and increase vocational training opportunities.

On the social welfare front, the government will promote family cohesion, create health and nutrition programs for children and improve access to clean water. Child protection will entail cracking down on child labour and on crimes against children.

Socheth didn’t discuss the budget for the program, but said a “major” portion is coming from foreign donors. The goal is to be more compliant with the UN convention on children’s rights.