Plankorea-Aizenpharm Korea, Completion Ceremony of Aizen School No. 2 in Cambodia

Five New School Constructions and Educational Environment Improvement Activities Conducted Over Five Years Since the 2021 Agreement

International relief and development NGO Plan Korea and Izen Pharma Korea completed the inauguration ceremony of 'Izen School No. 2' on the 4th in Stung Treng, Cambodia.

The completion ceremony was attended by Park Byung-chul, Executive Director of Izen Pharma Korea, the Governor of Stung Treng Province, the Director of the Youth Sports Education Department, the Chief of Talabarivat District, the Deputy Director of Plan Cambodia, about 400 elementary school students, parents, and local residents. This news received attention from local media, including coverage on Stung Treng regional broadcast news.

Stung Treng, Cambodia, is an area densely populated by impoverished and ethnic minority groups and is considered one of the poorest regions in Cambodia. The quality of education ranks among the lowest, and children were exposed to harsh and dangerous environments in outdated school facilities lacking even basic water sanitation. Learning capabilities were also low, resulting in inadequate education and a high rate of early marriage. The health and nutritional status of female students, including infants, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, were below the national average.

In response, Plan Korea and Izen Pharma Korea signed an agreement in October 2021 for the 'Cambodia Education Environment Improvement Project,' committing 800 million KRW over five years to build five new schools and improve educational environments. Izen School No. 2 aimed to establish an elementary school with one building comprising six classrooms and one library, including support for library equipment and books, renovation of on-campus water and sanitation facilities, and construction of new restrooms. Additionally, activities to improve the school environment and enhance safety, support for health and hygiene education, teacher capacity building, and literacy improvement were carried out.

Along with the inauguration ceremony, Izen Pharma Korea also visited Izen School No. 1 to interact with the children and visited the target school for Izen School No. 3, scheduled to be built next year.

Park Byung-chul, Executive Director of Izen Pharma Korea, said, "Education is the most important prerequisite that must precede national economy and competitiveness. I hope the children of Stung Treng become future leaders in an improved learning environment." He added, "The corporate vision emphasized by Izen Pharma Korea's CEO Ko Jeong-yong is happiness. Since happiness is realized through the process of giving and receiving interest, love, and help with others, I hope everyone can create a happy life through Izen Pharma Korea."

The Governor of Stung Treng said, "Thanks to the support from Izen Pharma Korea and Plan Korea, children can now dream of a better future. I also hope parents in the Stung Treng area will definitely send their children to the newly built Izen School."

The Deputy Director of Plan Cambodia said, "With the help of Plan Korea and Izen Pharma Korea, the second Izen School has been established in Stung Treng. We will operate this school well to help Cambodian children grow into talents who will play a significant role in the future global society."

A Plan Korea official said, "We are pleased to complete the second school construction in Cambodia, carried out with Izen Pharma Korea. We will continue to support children to receive systematic education in safe facilities."