Cambodian youth
Radio Free Asia is talking about being young in Cambodia and it is not a pretty picture...
There are no jobs and few role models. In a society that has such an unemployment rate, it is not surprising that people turn to drugs, violence and crime. This is a challenge that the government needs to face. What future can the majority of young people have in such conditions?
Well, good governance, education and job creation would seem to be a start. I have written at length about the governance in this country and so will not do so here. The educational system is full of problems.
Where to begin? Teachers are not paid enough so many impose illegal fees on students. Many students cannot afford $1 a month for education and so miss out on the opportunities that should be available.
The other major problem is cheating in exams and buying good marks.
With schools like this, students unable to afford an education, and parents willing and able to pay for diplomas, there is and will continue to be a serious lack of trained professionals. It seems that once again corruption is at the root of the issue.
One NGO involved with the youth, indicated that 70% of the youth are jobless and are now involved in criminal activities.
During the day commemorating the 8th International Youth Day, Long Khet, the president of the Youth Peace organization, said, on 10 August, that 70% of Cambodian youth ranging in age between 18 and 30-year-old, are facing joblessness and these youth are currently involved in drug use, gangs, delinquency, creating unrest in the society, and are providing bad influence to the younger generations.
Long Khet added that the reason these youth are struggling in the society is because they are very poor and they did not get any education. (Source)
There are no jobs and few role models. In a society that has such an unemployment rate, it is not surprising that people turn to drugs, violence and crime. This is a challenge that the government needs to face. What future can the majority of young people have in such conditions?
Well, good governance, education and job creation would seem to be a start. I have written at length about the governance in this country and so will not do so here. The educational system is full of problems.
Where to begin? Teachers are not paid enough so many impose illegal fees on students. Many students cannot afford $1 a month for education and so miss out on the opportunities that should be available.
The other major problem is cheating in exams and buying good marks.
Multiple choice question # 1: Which of the following explains why rampant exam cheating and bribery are making a mockery of Cambodia's education system?
- (a) teachers are profiting from it
- (b) students see no shame in cheating
- (c) the government says the problem does not exist
Sadly the answer is all of the above.
According to the teacher..., A and B grades have a fixed rate of $2 000 and $1 200 respectively. The cost of a C is negotiable but generally costs $700-800
Socially cheating is just another form of corruption. It's a reflection of the larger context of society.
The schools of the country are its future in miniature. (Source)
With schools like this, students unable to afford an education, and parents willing and able to pay for diplomas, there is and will continue to be a serious lack of trained professionals. It seems that once again corruption is at the root of the issue.
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