Battambang student represents Cambodian youths at UN forum

A female grade-10 student is representing Cambodian youth at a high-level UN meeting in New York City, USA.

Rath Yaru, a team leader of the student council of Pich Chenda High School in Battambang province’s Phnom Preuk district, was invited by World Vision International in Cambodia to attend the meeting.

“Yaru delivered a presentation on the midterm review of the implementation of disaster risk reduction. She also shared details of her work with her youth club and student council peers in promoting positive parenting at home, school and communities,” it said, noting that Yaru has been in New York since May 15.

“We are working with community leaders and authorities to protect children from the effects of climate change. Yaru has always dreamt about representing youth and children in the community on the international stage, to address social issues and challenges,” it added.

During the New York forum, Yaru thanked World Vision for their support, and for the opportunity to meet with other young leaders from around the world.

“I am a youth leader in my community. I want to bring attention to issues that affect children. In particular, my focus is on pushing and raising awareness of positive parenting among the parents and guardians of all children,” she said.

Ros Soveacha, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, saw Yaru’s attendance at the event as an achievement that would encourage all 21st-century students to develop themselves and their understanding of the world, on a regional and global scale.

“The education ministry welcomes and encourages positive cooperation with development partners – and all other stakeholders – in promoting the implementation of youth development policies and other curricula in line with the Education Strategic Plan 2019-2023. The plan aims to improve the ability of young Cambodians to contribute to Cambodia’s economic development,” he said.

“The youth of the 21st century will be the pillars of socio-economic development in Cambodia as we achieve the country’s vision for 2030 and 2050. Therefore, their capacity in all areas must be strengthened,” he added.

Soveacha said the ministry will continue to support youth development programmes in both technical and soft skills, with a focus on 21st-century skills and leadership development, as well as vocational training.

“In order to ensure that the youth are capable of participating in solving the nation’s common problems, they must have the courage and intelligence to express their ideas. We should give them the tools they need to express their ideas, and the talents to create a Buddhist society that advances the values of friendship and peace,” he said.

[Article by Phnom Penh Post]