OVERVIEW
Building Stronger Foundations for Learning
Education has been a central part of PKO’s work since the organization was established in 2005, building on education experience developed by Cambodian staff during the earlier ERM period. Over time, PKO has worked with schools, teachers, children, parents and education authorities through formal and non-formal education initiatives, literacy activities, reading support, teacher development and school-based programs.
Today, PKO’s Education & Inclusive Learning program brings this experience together around a common purpose: helping children gain meaningful opportunities to learn while strengthening the people and systems around them. Our work may include early learning, literacy and reading, teacher and school capacity, child-friendly learning environments and collaboration with parents and communities.
WHY IT MATTERS
Learning Opportunities Begin With Strong Foundations
Children’s educational opportunities are influenced by more than classroom attendance alone. Early learning, reading skills, teacher capacity, safe and supportive learning environments, access to appropriate learning materials and family engagement all contribute to children’s ability to participate and progress.
PKO’s program experience has repeatedly addressed these interconnected needs. For example, the Sustainable Education Program responded to gaps in access to quality preschool education, while other PKO-supported school initiatives have included teacher training, reading methodology, school leadership, student participation and support for struggling learners.
PKO therefore approaches education not as a single activity, but as a combination of learning support, educator capacity, community participation and locally relevant solutions.
WHAT WE FOCUS ON
Combining Local Experience, Partnership and Learning
Early Learning & School Readiness
Supporting opportunities that help young children develop foundational skills and prepare for successful transition into primary education.
Literacy, Reading & Learning
Expanding children’s access to books, structured reading activities and engaging learning opportunities that encourage reading habits and active participation.
Teacher & School Capacity
Strengthening educators and school teams through practical training, coaching, learning methods, and school-based support.
Inclusive & Child-Friendly Learning Environments
Promoting learning environments in which children can participate safely, actively and with dignity while recognizing different learning needs.
Family & Community Engagement
Working with parents, communities, schools and local stakeholders to strengthen participation, shared responsibility and support for children’s education.
HOW WE WORK
Combining Local Experience, Partnership and Learning
Work Through Schools and Local Systems
PKO works with schools and relevant education authorities rather than creating parallel systems wherever collaboration is possible.
Strengthen Educators
Teacher, school-leadership and facilitator capacity is an important part of creating learning environments that can continue beyond individual project activities.
Engage Families and Communities
Parents, families and community stakeholders contribute to children’s participation, learning opportunities and the sustainability of education initiatives.
Learn and Adapt
PKO uses monitoring, assessments, research and evaluation to understand progress, identify challenges and improve program approaches.
EDUCATION IN ACTION
Related Projects
active
ICT education support for Sre-andong High School, Cambodia
Projects in Education & Inclusive Learning
150+
Children Regularly Engaged
5
Target Primary Schools
2,177
Cumulative Participations
Through our education project in 2024, more than 150 children were regularly engaged across 5 target primary school, with 2,177 cumulative participations in learning activities.
ACROSS OUR WORK
Commitments That Strengthen Education Programming
Child Safeguarding & Inclusion
Creating safe learning environments and promoting meaningful participation.
Gender Equality
Encouraging equitable educational opportunities and participation.
Community Participation & Local Ownership
Engaging schools, families and communities in shaping education responses.
Partnership & Local Systems
Working with education authorities, schools and partners to strengthen existing systems.
Evidence, Learning & Accountability
Using monitoring, assessment, research and evaluation to improve program quality.
Partner With PKO to Strengthen Learning Opportunities
PKO welcomes collaboration with donors, education institutions, government authorities, research organizations and technical partners interested in improving learning opportunities for children and strengthening locally led education systems.