UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

04/09/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/08/2024 23:42

Empowering Graduates: BEEP Programme Marks a Milestone

On Wednesday, 3 April, forty students walked across the graduation stage in Phnom Penh to receive their Grade 9 equivalency certificate after successfully completing the Basic Education Equivalency Programme (BEEP). These students, each with their unique stories of perseverance, celebrated a significant milestone in their education journey; one that will open new doors and opportunities.

The graduation ceremony organized by the Cambodian Children's Fund (CCF) and UNESCO was attended by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), Smart Axiata, teachers and parents of the graduates.

BEEP aims to bridge educational gaps and empower learners who have dropped out of formal schooling at the lower secondary level. Through the support of UNESCO, CCF has been able to offer a comprehensive curriculum that allows learners to obtain an accredited Grade 9 qualification recognized by the MoEYS and Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MoLVT). This achievement not only validates their knowledge and skills but also opens the way to further educational and employment opportunities.

The 40 BEEP graduates, hailing from the Stueng Meanchey District of Phnom Penh, have overcome numerous challenges such as poverty, limited access to quality education, and family responsibilities. Despite these obstacles, they remained steadfast in their pursuit of education, attending classes, engaging with facilitators, and actively participating on the BEEP platform.

The success of these learners extends beyond academic achievements. In addition to core subjects, BEEP participants also received soft-skills training. These essential life skills-such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving-prepare them for the complexities of the modern workforce. Furthermore, former BEEP learners who graduated from C1 vocational training programs are now equipped with practical skills that enhance their employability.

As part of their holistic development, BEEP learners had the opportunity to participate in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Study Tours. These tours exposed them to real-world industries, allowing them to explore potential career paths. Whether it was visiting a local manufacturing facility, a sustainable agriculture project, or a technology workshop, the exposure has broadened their horizons and fueled their aspirations.

One of the BEEP graduates receives the certificate of completion.
©CCF

With their Grade 9 equivalency certificates in hand, these learners are now poised for the next phase of their educational journey. They can enroll in Technical High Schools or specialized TVET institutions, where they can further develop their skills in fields such as mechanics, hospitality and information technology, among others, based on their interests. The road to more and better employment opportunities is wide open, and these learners are ready to take the next step forward.

The celebration of their success is about more than the certificates they received on stage. As these BEEP graduates move forward, they carry with them the knowledge that education is a powerful tool-one that can transform lives and uplift communities.

BEEP and vocational graduates post a group picture with the participants.
©CCF

About Basic Education Equivalency Programme (BEEP)

The MoEYS, MLVT and UNESCO jointly launched the BEEP to provide out-of-school youth with basic education equivalency and skills development opportunities. This programme is part of the Decent Employment for Youth in Cambodia Phase II (DEY II), a joint UN initiative to support young Cambodians in obtaining decent and productive employment opportunities. With the financial support of The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and contributions from the government and Smart Axiata, the programme is in the expansion phase.