Schools across the country have been closed in Cambodia since February 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic and subsequent government policy response. To enable the continuation of the implementation of our country program portfolio Helpcode developed alternative approaches to program delivery through the use of multi-media platforms and development of multi media resources and worked closely with Community Leaders and local governments to successfully distribute redisigned program educational resources that supported alternative approaches to learning.

Now that schools have reopened across the country Helpcode has developed and operationalized a COVID-19 Prevention Country Program Protocol. The purpose of this protocol has been to provide clear and actionable guidance for safe operations by and for Helpcode staff in the prevention, early detection and control of COVID19 as Helpcode continues to work with children.

Students receiving their Hygiene Health Promotion Kits at Khors Slar Secondary School

Important key aspects of this protocol incorporate Protective Hygiene Measures and the inclusive attitudes that are to be taken by Helpcode staff when operating in schools. The protocol supports Helpcode staff prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 among students and teaching staff while minimizing disruption to learning and protecting both students and staff from the impact of any evolving pandemic discriminations.

Moving forward now schools have reopened across the country Helpcode continue to work with partners and key stakeholders in strategic and innovative ways to ensure that the program work being undertaken is minimizing the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and leveraging the unexpected opportunities to deliver quality program results which make a difference and it is hoped enable every child we support to reach their full potential.

Students launching the newly installed Hand Washing Facility at Oh Chrov Primary School

One of these strategies has been to work with School Directors, Community Leaders and Women’s Groups to support schools and children’s re-engagement with school environments in the safest way possible through the facilitation of a multi-strategic Hygiene Health Promotion Program that incorporated a Hygiene Health Awareness Training Program, the distribution of Helpcode Hand Sanitizer and re-usable protective Masks and where needed the construction of gender appropriate WASH Facilities (Latrine Blocks and Hand Washing Stations).

The program to date has reached approximately 1000 students of which 486 were girls and 200 school teaching staff and ancillary staff. All aspects of the Hygiene Health Promotion Program implementation has continued to incorporate Gender as a cross cutting issue with strategies developed to ensure the continued active and supported particpation of girls within all activities.