The health of Cambodians is one of the poorest in the world. There is growing concern that the severe and prolonged flooding in 2000 will increase the incidence of malaria and other diseases. VSO s programme supports Cambodia s rehabilitation and reconstruction process. Education is sorely needed. Cambodians must acquire literacy skills in the language of the business, commerce and NGO sectors if they are to escape the poverty trap.
Education is vital, both in the elimination of poverty and for meaningful development.
VSO s education programme in Cambodia has diversified from the ELT programme of 1991, to include teacher training and curriculum support, with an emphasis on the most disadvantaged schools. The last year saw the launch of a primary education programme with four volunteers working on the World Bank project. Funds have been secured from DFID to support these placement and twelve volunteers will be placed in this primary education project over the next four years. A weak health infrastructure and a high disease rate are the two most significant health problems facing Cambodia. The health service is seriously under-funded and VSO meets the desperate need for human resources at all levels.