Fostering Sustainable Collaboration through Stakeholders Engagement

The workshop provided participants with an in-depth overview of the project's progress, the challenges and key achievements, and its anticipated long-term impact. In addition, the participants toured school’s facilities, including food processing room, the newly renovated laboratory for expirements and research, aquaculture hatchery, and breeding and grow-out ponds.These facilities aim to provide students with hands-on training in aquaculture and food processing, offering critical practical skills to thrive in a growing sector.

This event also served as a valuable platform to foster partnerships between the private sector, public aquaculture institutions, NGOs, and technical schools. Partnership is essential for aligning education with the needs of industry, ensuring that students are equipped with in-demand skills. Moreover, it provided stakeholders with an opportunity to understand the project curriculum, which focuses on building competencies to advance workforce development in aquaculture.

"This workshop has been an invaluable opportunity to showcase the progress we've made in modernising aquaculture education in Cambodia. By aligning technical training with market demands and reinforcing partnerships with key stakeholders, we are laying the foundation for sustainable development in this critical sector," said Cassinerio Alessandro, Head of the Programme at People in Need. "The commitment demonstrated by all parties involved, particularly in empowering young people with the skills they need to succeed, is truly inspiring."

The collaboration is aligned with People in Need's mission to support sustainable aquaculture and vocational education. The project's curriculum enhances technical skills development for students; it prepares them for the growing demand in the aquaculture industry. Furthermore, it strengthens the connection between academic institutions and industry professionals, ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the practical knowledge necessary to thrive in a competitive market.

"We believe that initiatives like this are crucial in shaping the future of aquaculture education in Cambodia. By engaging diverse stakeholders from the public and private sectors, we are not only addressing immediate skills gaps but also preparing students for future challenges and opportunities in the industry," said Meak Chantheng, Vice President at the Vocational Orientation Department. "These collaborations are vital in ensuring that vocational education remains relevant, impactful, and responsive to the evolving needs of Cambodia's aquaculture sector."

The workshop also underscored the potential for expanding the project in the future, with discussions on adding additional schools and regions. Expansion will enable more students to gain access to high-quality technical education. This expansion will help build a more resilient and capable workforce, better positioned to meet the demands of the sector.

This workshop was a significant step forward in advancing the goals of the "Streamlining Aquaculture in Cambodia's Vocational Education" project. It reflects the collective efforts to support skills development and the sustainable future of Cambodia's aquaculture industry.