PHNOM PENH: iLEAD International School, a social enterprise part of the Early Learning Alliance, has presented a model that could enable physical and technical support to more than 40 community kindergartens throughout the country.

According to a press release issued by iLEAD and the Early Learning Alliance on 2 August 2022, during a graduation ceremony for the kindergarten students of iLEAD International School, the social enterprise presented its achievements in the 2021-2022 academic year, as well as its efforts to support community kindergartens in six provinces.

The event was presided over and joined by Undersecretary of State, Khun Rachana, who came as a representative of the Minister of Education Youth and Sports, Hang Choun Naron, the Country Director of Aide et Action Cambodia, Vorn Samphors, the school principal, students and their parents, and other community members.

Through past efforts, the Early Learning Alliance, which is part of iLEAD Education, has supported the education of community kindergartens in Kandal, Takeo, Prey Veng, Kep, Kampot, Preah Sihanouk, and Koh Kong provinces.

In partnership with the Learning Alliance, iLEAD International School has contributed to building and renovating 41 community kindergartens and 45 classrooms throughout the 2021-2022 academic year. 6,500 Cambodian children (3,697 females) received adequate study materials. 1,750 children (787 females) received scholarships to support their studies.

iLEAD International School is a part of iLEAD Education, a not-for-profit social enterprise, and the Early Learning Alliance. Licensed from Field Work Education, iLEAD International School offers high-quality early childhood to primary education, incorporating both an international and national curriculum for children aged two and above.

Profits from iLEAD have also been used to provide food to 200 children every day, while some were also used to construct 165 handwashing stations.

Aide et Action Country Director, Vorn Samphors, said at the event that, “Together, we make learning full of motivation, participation and fun, building a great world for children to grow and prosper."

"Cultivate life skills, and professional skills, and teach them to be well prepared, and educate them to live harmoniously, independently, responsibly, and with dignity," he continued.

The Undersecretary of State from Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Khun Rachana, stated that Aide et Action has actively contributed to the education sector in Cambodia, especially in supporting early childhood education.

“This school (iLEAD International School) does not make any profit because it uses all its income to spend on projects that support vulnerable children and young people in rural communities," she said. "This initiative connects children studying in rural areas to those in the city, teaching them to support and live with each other harmoniously.”

She also expressed her appreciation of the Early Learning Alliance Initiative, which contributes to the improvement of human resources through early childhood education, the establishment of quality education and through enabling a learning environment.

At the graduation ceremony, Aide et Action and iLEAD International School also handed out learning and teaching materials to 25 community kindergartens. Additionally, some materials and equipment for a digital library were also distributed to the Rabbit School, a school that provides special education to children with intellectual disabilities.