The ‘Good Citizens’ Consciousness’ programme is a collaboration between the UYFC and the education ministry. Supplied
The “Good Citizens' Consciousness” 2025 programme is targeting students in grades 10 and 11 across 12 capital-provinces nationwide.
With the mission of cultivating responsible, patriotic and engaged youth, the programme lays the foundation for the next generation of future Cambodian leaders who will play an active role in the Kingdom’s development and progress.
Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron visited Preah Sihanouk province’s General and Technological High School in Sihanoukville on May 8, to observe the programme’s implementation and engage with students, teachers and school management.
During his visit, the minister emphasised the continued importance of good citizenship education for Cambodian youth and its growing reach.
“The ‘Good Citizens’ Consciousness’ programme is an after-school initiative for grades 10 and 11,” he said, via social media.
“Its goal is to cultivate the abilities, spirit, will, dignity and good citizenship of young people, providing them with opportunities to build a strong sense of citizenship,” he added.
An after-school programme, it was first piloted from May to July 2024. Supplied
He explained that the initiative aims to prepare youth for active participation in the country’s development, fostering solidarity, national unity and reconciliation for Cambodia’s future.
It incorporates new teaching strategies similar to those of the New Generation School curriculum, covering pedagogy, science and the arts, including music.
“These methods bring vitality to learning by engaging the five senses, helping students develop new skills, improve their knowledge, summarise lesson content and build abilities in technology, research, communication, teamwork and courage,” said Naron.
He noted that the programme was developed in line with the Youth Strategic Plan for the nation, with Strategy 4 focusing on contributing to human resource development.
Its vision is to build and develop Cambodian youth with the capabilities, life skills, creativity, patriotism and good citizenship necessary for contributing to their families, communities and the nation, thus participating in the creation of a sustainable, prosperous and harmonious society.
“To achieve this vision, all teachers and trainers are encouraged to use teaching methods that integrate technology with traditional textbooks, fostering self-study, summarisation of key lessons, research, group discussions and presentations,” Naron added.
“This approach aims to help students become more courageous and develop leadership skills,” he continued.
Education minister Hang Chuon Naron visited the General and Technological High School in Sihanoukville on May 8, to observe the implementation of the programme. Supplied
Minister of Civil Service Hun Many, who serves as president of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), emphasised that citizen training should be ongoing, not just during crises, to build strong human resources.
He made these remarks during the March 9 opening of a course for instructors of the “Good Citizens’ Consciousness” programme, a collaboration between UYFC and the education ministry.
“I commend the education ministry for allowing the youth federations to contribute to the training of the youth,” said Many.
The programme was piloted in its first year across seven target locations, including Phnom Penh, as well as the provinces of Kandal, Kampong Speu, Svay Rieng, Battambang, Siem Reap and Preah Sihanouk. It was implemented from May to July 2024.
Naron congratulated the programme on its success, and shared his appreciation for the teachers and trainers who adopted new teaching methods, linking theory to practical application through project-based learning and study clubs.
“The programme has truly added value to education, helping students, the next generation, become good citizens who can actively participate in protecting the security and stability of the country,” he said.
