Implementation and Challenges of Pro-Poor Students' Scholarship Program at Primary in Phnom Penh

Abstract

The research on the Implementation and Challenges of the Pro-Poor Student Scholarship Program at Primary Schools in Phnom Penh is based on the executive principles and guidance from the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport regarding national and sub-national scholarship programs. However, the study did not cover the entire country; it focused on seven target schools offering scholarships to poor students in seven different districts in Phnom Penh. A total of 172 respondents were interviewed through various methods, including key individuals such as education directors, education officers, district education officers, school principals, teachers in charge of classes for poor students receiving scholarships, and the guardians of students.

The study revealed that 83.3% of scholarship information reached poor students through teachers and school notices posted on blackboards, which were considered the most effective outlets, while only 16.7% of students learned about the scholarships through villages, neighborhoods, or local authorities. Another finding indicated that home-based verification by local committees was only conducted for 12.1% of the students, suggesting that the selection process for the scholarship program was not adequately implemented.

Furthermore, the study identified several challenges: 64% of students at the selected schools faced serious living difficulties, 59% needed study materials, and 39% lacked daily transportation to and from school. Additionally, 19% of parents encountered difficulties and long travel times to receive the limited support from the scholarship programs.

Lastly, suggestions from all concerned parties included: (1) increasing funding for scholarship officers, (2) providing more training on program management, (3) strengthening the monitoring and management mechanisms and budget, and (4) increasing the number of scholarship recipients. It was also suggested that scholarships be provided to promote gender equality, with 60% of recipients being female and 40% male. The emphasis on female students is due to their greater vulnerability to school dropout, though they tend to perform better academically.