Despite deadly floodwaters receding from the Mekong river and Tonle Sap lake areas, more than 300 schools remained closed, with about 90,000 students falling behind as a result, officials said yesterday.

Ministry of Education director general Sam Sereyrath said some 90,000 students have been missing their school programs since the school term resumed after mid-year holidays in early October.

“We are now preparing to catch up the students’ education and are advising all teachers to set up additional time for teaching,” said Sam Sereyrath.

Rong Chhun, president of Cambodian Independent Teacher’s Association said about 2,000 of the 4,000 schools nationwide affected by flooding had begun resuming classes.

“School teachers and students alike who were affected by flooding had long holidays for part of the period schools were flooded, so it should not be a problem for teachers to make additional times for teaching,” Rong Chhun said, adding that teachers providing additional classes should receive a bonus.  

National Committee for Disaster Management deputy director Nhim Vanda said yesterday only about 40 of the closed schools were seriously damaged, and most required only sanitation system cleaning.