Phnom Penh: After over six months of closure, schools in the capital are set to reopen next week. The Phnom Penh Capital Administration has decided to allow the reopening of secondary level starting on Wednesday 15 September, but it is stressing that all schools slated for reopening must first undergo inspections.
Harrods International Academy in BKK was inspected by the Ministry of Education on Friday morning. It was the first on the list, already approved to reopen next week after submitting the required documents two days ago, but the school administration has decided to reopen the week after. School Director, Philippa Barson, says they’re looking at Monday the 20th of September, and while they’re excited at the prospect of reopening, their priority is the safety of their children. She says the past almost seven months have been a challenge for their teachers, parents and children, but a challenge that encouraged everyone to adapt:
“Very, but it has been a wonderful journey too. We have strengthened our home school partnerships. We’ve built trust with our parents, teachers and staff have vastly increased their professional and personal capacities and skills. The best thing though, is how our children have learnt over the last seven months. They have become more confident, self-reliant and they are more in charge of their own learning than ever before. Their attendance has remained high everyday and they are very happy learners. As you can see by our recent high-level competition wins at an international level, our students have overcome the challenges of distance learning and embraced it.”
EAC News also spoke to some high students in the capital who say they’re excited to get back to class.
Raat Makara told us that he was “so happy to hear about the reopening because it was hard for me to stay focused studying at home for a long period of time.” His friend, Song Chunly, says “I’m also very happy after learning we are going back to school. I am so excited and hope to see my classmates soon.”
The date agreed by the Ministry of Education and Phnom Penh Capital Administration – Wednesday 15 September - is just a starting point when both public and private secondary schools can reopen. EAC News did contact the Ministry, but it says it has no further comment to make for now.
