UN Analysis Final.pdf - United Nations in Cambodia

4.3.2 YOUTH AND CIVIC EDUCATION 23
CDRI’s 2007 ‘Moving Out of Poverty Study’ (MOPS) suggests that poor governance and weak institutions
have contributed to rising inequality and unequal access to infrastructure and social services, which has the
consequence of halting economic growth and poverty reduction. Compounding the problem, the present
situation analysis suggests the education system has failed to impart the values necessary for the
development of the skills required to build democratic institutions and ensure good governance.
We have little knowledge about this issue [democracy] because we have not heard so much about this and
we have rare communication with the higher level (local authority)… we have the opportunity sometimes
to participate in meetings but we did not talk at all. Old people will not be interested in what we raise…
– FGD with male youth (age 20-24) Sangke Village, Svay Rieng
We realise that the contribution of youth to our community’s development is very important…being able
to express our ideas could help us improve our capacity and know more about development, sometimes we
have some good ideas but do not have good opportunity to express them, so we keep them in our minds…
– FGD with female youth, Siem Reap
Commune Council members complain that it is difficult to encourage old or young people to participate in
development schemes:
It is difficult at the moment to persuade people, especially youth, to participate in the development of
the commune… . They are busy with their daily activities and they are simply reluctant to join meetings
or participate in commune development activities… . The Commune Council always faces problems in
disseminating information on development to young people when they remain uninterested…
– Commune chief in Cheung Kor Commune, Sihanoukville
Achieving a truly democratic society can only be attained through a well-informed citizenry. The comments
above suggest missed opportunities to integrate civic education into education programmes.
Constructive participation and the development of democracy depend on a minimum quality education
as well as free and unlimited access to knowledge, thought, culture and information (USAID 2002).
Increasingly, the democratic process in Cambodia is calling for a more pluralistic and open society, whereby
different groups, including youth, could play a more challenging role in public decision-making and in
the development process, which eventually affect their own future. This constitutes an important step in
enhancing youth participation because unless decisions impacting upon young people’s lives are subject
to close examination by those they affect, they are unlikely to be sustainable.
4.4 POLICY AND PROGRAMMING IMPLICATIONS
Develop a more responsive education policy for youth: Based on the present situation analysis, the education
investment and assistance from donors and the Government appears to expand young people’s schooling
opportunities, but they do not close the economic gap. A pro-poor education policy needs to address
the educational disparities of the poor, those young people living in rural areas and the educational
disadvantages of females.
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The issue of youth and civic engagement is discussed in Chapter 8.
Situation Analysis of Youth in Cambodia
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