Children are playing at a childcare centre in Phnom Penh. Photo supplied
A senior official from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training announced plans to established community childcare centres and kindergartens in special economic zones (SEZs) and near factories nationwide.
Ministry spokesperson Katta Orn said on February 5 that in 2024-2025, the ministry will partner with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport on the initiative.
“We want all stakeholders to collaborate in establishing these facilities near factory areas and SEZs, enabling workers with young children to enrol them in childcare. This will ensure that workers can focus on their jobs knowing their young ones are cared for by professionals who provide food and early childhood education,” he said.
He stressed that the successful establishment of these centres relies on the active participation of all stakeholders, particularly employers.
Fa Saly, president of the National Trade Union Confederation (NTUC), said he supported the government’s initiative to establish community nursery schools, referencing the labour law’s provision regarding such services.
“In the past, although the law provides for the establishment of childcare centres in workplaces, it has not been fully implemented. Many parents still find it challenging to bring their children to nurseries, opting instead to rely on family members in their hometowns for childcare. Therefore, establishing these centres is crucial,” he said.
He said that the nation requires childcare for workers in the garment, travel goods and electronics industries. He also urged the consideration of increasing core wages and providing sufficient food, shelter and convenient transportation to better support workers and their families.
According to the ministry, the nation currently has 13 childcare programmes in industrial areas nationwide, with 10 in Kampong Speu province and three in Kampong Cham.
Prime Minister Hun Manet has previously urged the expedition of the centres by 2025.
He explained that establishing the facilities at workplaces will also enable mothers to more conveniently breastfeed, leading to cost savings and increased productivity.
