PREAH VIHEAR & STUNG TRENG, Cambodia – March 25-26, 2025 – ADRA Cambodia, in collaboration with the School Health Department of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), the Provincial and District Education Departments, and local authorities, successfully hosted two recognition events to honor nine middle schools for successfully implementing Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) practices. These schools have been recognized as Model Schools for MHM, demonstrating a commitment to promoting health, menstrual hygiene, and environmental sustainability.
The events were presided over by H.E. Ph. Soeur Socheata, Deputy Secretary General of MoEYS, and H.E. Dr. Chhay Kim Sotheavy, Director of the School Health Department of MoEYS.
The recognition ceremonies took place on:
- March 25, 2025, in Preah Vihear Province, recognizing six middle schools: Khyorng MS, Putrea MS, Sdao MS, Tbeng Mouy MS, Tbeng Py MS, and Ro Ang MS.
- March 26, 2025, in Stung Treng Province, recognizing three middle schools: Thmortaprom HS, Sdao MS, and Oreuseikandal MS.
A total of 385 participants (203 females, 182 males), including students, teachers, education officials, and community representatives, attended the events.
Advancing Menstrual Hygiene Management in Schools
During the events, Mr. Roth Rumnea, Senior Project Manager of the TOGETHER Project, highlighted the purpose of the MHM recognition initiative and outlined the project’s efforts in collaboration with MoEYS and local education authorities.
“This initiative ensures that adolescent girls can manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence, enabling them to fully participate in school and daily activities,” said Mr. Rumnea.
The TOGETHER Project, funded by the Government of Canada, has been instrumental in integrating school-based, girl-centered, inclusive, safe, confidential, and environmentally sensitive MHM programs. Key activities have included:
✅ Promoting Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) hotlines
✅ Training female youth club leaders to support at-risk youth
✅ Raising awareness on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV), and MHM
✅ Organizing peer education activities such as “Good Men Value Women” and “SMART Men Don’t Abuse Women” campaigns
✅ Hosting parent and teacher engagement events
✅ Strengthening access to SRHR services through digital platforms
Defining Model Schools for MHM
Mrs. Ros Dany, Deputy Director of the District Education Department of Sangkum Thmey District, and Mr. Pav Bona, Director of the District Education Department of Siembok District, explained the evaluation process for MHM model schools. Schools were assessed on four key criteria:
- Hygiene, Sanitation, and Environment – Availability of separate latrines for boys and girls, handwashing stations, waste disposal, and access to clean water.
- Education – Inclusive learning on SRHR, GBV, and MHM, and access to sanitary products.
- Counseling and Support Services – Establishment of private counseling spaces and menstrual product accessibility.
- Overall School Commitment – Meeting at least 15 of the 20 established MHM criteria.
Voices from the Education Sector
Mr. Heng Sokhom, Deputy Director of the Provincial Education Department in Preah Vihear Province, emphasized the importance of health education, stating,
“Health is the number one priority—work comes second. Schools must equip students with the knowledge to care for their health, especially in menstrual hygiene management.”
Similarly, Mr. Chan Somphos, Deputy Director of the Provincial Education Department in Stung Treng Province, praised ADRA Cambodia’s contributions to education in remote areas, stating,
“ADRA has been a strong partner in supporting MHM initiatives across 44 middle schools in Siembok and Sesan districts, improving the health and dignity of students.”
Student Engagement and Cultural Performances
Students actively participated in the events through interactive Q&A sessions and engaging performances. Drama teams from Khyong Middle School (Preah Vihear) and Orusseykandal Middle School (Stung Treng) performed educational songs on menstrual hygiene, emphasizing essential practices such as regular hygiene, changing sanitary pads, exercising, and maintaining a nutritious diet.
Outstanding student participants and drama performers were rewarded with small incentives, presented by H.E. Ph. Soeur Socheata and H.E. Dr. Chhay Kim Sotheavy, in recognition of their engagement and contributions.
Commitment to Future Support
H.E. Ph. Soeur Socheata, Deputy Secretary General of MoEYS, acknowledged ADRA Cambodia’s long-standing support, stating,
“MoEYS deeply appreciates ADRA’s commitment to improving education in Preah Vihear and Stung Treng. We extend our gratitude to the Government of Canada for funding these vital initiatives and encourage ADRA to continue its impactful work in the education sector.”
The event concluded with renewed commitments from all stakeholders to further strengthen menstrual hygiene education and support for students in Cambodia’s most remote regions.
Media Coverage
📺 Local TV coverage in Preah Vihear: Watch Here
📺 Local TV coverage in Stung Treng: Watch Here
📰 Online News Coverage: Fresh News Report
About ADRA Cambodia
ADRA Cambodia is implementing the “uniting TOwards Gender Equality for enjoyment of women’s and girls’ Total HEalth and Rights” (TOGETHER) project thanks to generous funding from the Government of Canada. Supported by ADRA Canada, SickKids, and Salanga, this gender-transformative 6-year project will ensure that nearly 200,000 girls, women, boys, and men in Cambodia, Kenya, the Philippines, and Uganda are enabled to exercise their health-related human rights.
📩 Media Contact:
Kong Phano – Public Relations Coordinator
📧 [email protected]
📞 +855 77 398 477
