PHNOM PENH: On the morning of November 17, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Chea Somethy, met with four young Cambodians with disabilities who medals in the 2023 Global IT Competition held in the United Arab Emirates last month.
The Minister of Social Affairs, who warmly welcomed the winners at the gates of Phnom Penh International Airport on October 29, once again congratulated the four disabled youths who won gold and bronze medals at the Global IT Competition, which has brought pride to the nation.
He encouraged all young people with disabilities to continue their education and strengthen their skills for the future of themselves and their families, while the Ministry of Social Affairs will continue to find partners to provide scholarships to young people with disabilities.
Secretary of State for the Ministry of Social Affairs and Secretary-General of the Disability Action Council, Em Chan Makara, said that Cambodia has sent young people with disabilities to compete abroad 12 times since 2011. In 2014, six Cambodians with disabilities won seven gold, seven silver and a bronze medal. In 2017, Cambodia brought home four bronze medals. In 2022, Cambodia won four bronze medals between in-person and online challenges in South Korea. This year, the team brought home a total of five medals, including a gold for 15-year-old Seerano Jonhpov and four bronze medals for a team competition in the eContent category which went to Seerano Jonhpov, Mithona Yen, Visal Bo, and Sienghay Some.
The Sec. of State noted that when Cambodia had its big victory at the competition in 2014, then Prime Minister Hun Sen delivered a congratulatory speech and arranged perks for the winners, who are currently working as civil servants in the General Secretariat of the Disability Action Council.
He requested permission from Minister Chea Somethy to ask Prime Hun Manet to meet with the four winners to celebrate their win and encourage youth with disabilities.
The Minister agreed to the proposal and instructed Ministry officials to make the names of the four winners known so that they may receive more recognition from public and private institutions. He also told officials to prepare a suitable role for the winners in the 25th Cambodian Day of Persons with Disabilities at Koh Pich on December 4, 2023, which will be presided over by the Prime Minister.
The Minister finished by encouraging the continued construction of ramps for people with disabilities throughout the country in addition to accessible parking options.
