The encounter brought together female students from the technical school and participants in a sewing course organized in collaboration with the Kep Provincial Department of Women’s Affairs. Many of the young women come from distant and rural provinces, including Oddar Meanchey and Ratanakiri, reflecting Don Bosco’s outreach to some of the most remote areas of the country.

Addressing the students, Dr. Ung Kanthaphawi expressed appreciation for the Salesian presence in Cambodia and praised Don Bosco’s dedication to serving marginalized communities. She described the institution’s outreach to remote provinces as “a great value” for the nation. “In the name of the Cambodian people, thanks to Don Bosco for this great support,” she said, underscoring the transformative power of education for girls, particularly those from rural and indigenous backgrounds.

The Minister’s visit comes at a significant moment, as the Ministry of Women’s Affairs intensifies national efforts to promote gender equality under the Neary Rattanak VI Strategy (2026–2030). The strategy expands programmes in leadership, entrepreneurship and digital skills, while provincial campaigns — particularly in areas such as Ratanakiri and Stung Treng — address challenges including early marriage and teenage pregnancy. National initiatives also continue to encourage greater participation of women in business and political life, with increasing representation in parliamentary and ministerial roles.

Within this broader national context, Don Bosco Kep has emerged as an important partner in promoting inclusive development. The school currently serves approximately 600 students, about half of whom are female, and combines technical education with initiatives such as the Brother Sun Children Programme. The Salesians of Don Bosco and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) have consistently emphasized the empowerment of girls through vocational training, digital literacy and leadership formation, ensuring that young women from disadvantaged backgrounds are equipped to build dignified and self-reliant futures.

During her address, Dr. Ung Kanthaphawi encouraged the students to remain attentive to the “signs of the times” and to work collaboratively toward a society in which men and women share equal responsibility and opportunity. Her message resonated strongly with the young participants, many of whom view education as the key to independence and social contribution.

The visit underscored the growing synergy between Cambodia’s national agenda for women’s advancement and the grassroots efforts of the Salesian Family. As the country continues to pursue equality and inclusive growth, institutions such as Don Bosco Kep stand as living examples of how education, formation and accompaniment can transform lives and foster harmony between men and women in Cambodian society.