Richard helps bid to bring universal education to Cambodia’s children

An academic from the University of Northampton is playing a role in the bid to ensure all children in Cambodia receive a universal education.

As the Southeast Asian country continues to recover from genocide and political abuse during the Cold War, increased attention is being given to the means through which universal education may be assured. Many children, including those with disabilities, remain outside of the education system and there is a great economic disparity between those living in urban and rural areas.

As part of the process of developing a more equitable social and educational system in the country, Professor Emeritus Richard Rose has been working with a cross disciplinary team of professionals based in Phnom Penh to develop research instruments, including a survey and focus group schedules to collect data related to those obstacles that persist in inhibiting progress in this area.

During a recent visit, Richard supported a team of researchers as it piloted the survey and focus group procedures and established a data analysis framework. This work will be followed by a substantial project which will form the basis of an action research project to develop awareness, and the skills required to provide a more inclusive social and educational system across the country.

During this visit Richard worked with colleagues from universities and non-governmental organisations on this project, which is led by representatives of CARITAS International and will run for the next three years.