Teaching Tomorrow: Educating Cambodian Youth on Disaster Risk Reduction

As the effects of climate change intensify globally, its impacts are becoming increasingly evident in Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia. The province has faced recurring floods over the past three years, a trend that highlights the vulnerability of local communities to extreme weather events.  

Phan Bunchay, Director at the Sesen Primary and Secondary School, has seen these challenges firsthand. His school, located in Serei Saophoan City, has often been among the first to experience floods. It also suffered more severe damage than other schools in the region.

“My province, Banteay Meanchey, has been flooded for three consecutive years. Each time, the Sesen Primary and Secondary School is hit the hardest,” Bunchay recalled. 

Bunchay has spent 17 years in the education sector, observing and experiencing the growing impacts of climate change on schooling. “Over the years, I have witnessed rising temperatures and extreme weather. In 2024, the temperature has risen to 43 degrees Celsius. Droughts and floods have damaged infrastructure and caused health issues, making it harder for students to focus and attend regularly,” he explained. 

Climate change affects everyone, but its impacts are felt more acutely by vulnerable groups, including the youth and communities with limited disaster response capacities. Bunchay noted that climate change has not only posed educational challenges but also raised public health, nutritional and financial concerns. 

“The impacts of drought differ from those of floods,” Bunchay explained. “During droughts, diarrhea is more common among students, exacerbated by the lack of clean water and food. On the other hand, flooding leads to loss of life through drowning or mosquito-borne diseases, school closures and damaged infrastructure. Overall, extreme weather conditions affect students' health and disrupt their education.”  

Different regions in Cambodia experience varying degrees of natural hazards. Battambang Province, for instance, is a flood-prone area situated along key transportation routes near the Tonle Sap Lake and Thailand. Its proximity to major watersheds makes it particularly susceptible to floods. As a result, the region has become a focal point for disaster preparedness efforts.  

Recognizing the urgent need for action, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) of the Royal Government of Cambodia, conducted a flood drill to enhance local response capacities. This exercise aimed to put the Provincial Contingency Plans to the test and ensure that local actors are ready to respond effectively to future disasters. Bunchay, representing the education sector, participated in simulation exercises in Battambang Province alongside provincial and district officials, as well as NCDM members. The flood drill covered essential skills, such as setting up safe shelters, managing relief supplies, conducting damage assessments and providing first aid. “These skills are critical not just for officials but also for an educator like me, as schools are central to community resilience,” Bunchay reflected.

Schools and education facilities play a vital role in disaster risk reduction. Beyond being places of learning, they are key to fostering a culture of preparedness and safety within the communities. At the Sesen Primary and Secondary School, for example, disaster prevention is part of the curriculum. “We teach our students how to protect themselves during disasters and how to evacuate safely,” said Bunchay.  

The Cambodian government has been working to strengthen coordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies, the military, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international organizations to enhance disaster preparedness and response. However, Bunchay stressed that the involvement of youth is crucial.  

Every child or young person has the right to live in a safe, healthy environment, free from the threat of disasters and displacement. IOM is committed to investing in education, skills development and livelihood opportunities to empower young people to build resilient communities and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate. 

This activity is supported by a grant from the International Development Fund, under the Migration, Environment and Climate Change division. 

This story was written by Julia Placides, Communications and Gender Associate at IOM Cambodia.