Cambodia’s young like 12-year-old Mob Kanha can be a force for development when provided with the education and opportunities they need to improve their lives.
Asia and the Pacific has significantly increased access to education and achieved relevant targets under the Millennium Development Goals, although challenges remain.
ADB works across Asia and the Pacific to promote quality, accessible education for all to support sustainable development. In particular, it supports its developing member countries in their efforts to strengthen their education systems, helping them become successful knowledge economies and compete in the global economy.
The people in this film are not associated with ADB, but they are affected by many of the issues that ADB is addressing in countries across Asia and the Pacific.
Transcript
Morb Kanha, Student, Cambodia
My name is Mob Kanha. I am 12 years old and live with my mother.
To me, living in Phnom Penh is not always easy.
It’s convenient, but there are also challenges.
We have relatives in Phnom Penh.
We moved from the countryside to study in the city.
But we could not afford a good school and getting used to the city was difficult.
Mob Kanha’s family comes from one of the poorest districts of Phnom Penh in Cambodia.
Education levels here are generally low but some students get extra support through special initiatives.
Morb Kanha, Student, Cambodia
I get lots of support at my new school. There are always new and interesting things to learn.
We study many different subjects four hours per day.
Sometimes, we have physical education, sometimes we have science.
Affordable and fast Internet access services are not yet widespread in many developing Asian countries.
Most children don’t have access to the Internet or computers.
Morb Kanha, Student, Cambodia
Every student needs a computer to study because it’s an important tool that helps us find solutions.
At the Asian Development Bank, we believe that an education system that helps bridge digital skills gaps for the young is crucial to securing Asia and the Pacific’s future.
Morb Kanha, Student, Cambodia
My biggest dream is to run a company and if it’s successful, I will donate money and learning supplies to needy schools. Because I love education.
Your story. Your generation. Your Asia and the Pacific.
Source: Asian Development Bank