Karachi, In an inspiring initiative at Top Summit Garment factory in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, literacy teacher Savorn Moeung is leading the charge to empower women factory workers through education. Under the Factory Literacy Programme (FLP-SkillsFuture), implemented by UNESCO and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) of Cambodia, 376 women have gained functional literacy and numeracy skills since 2017, enhancing their work performance and personal development.
According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, FLP-SkillsFuture is a flagship education programme, aiming to promote literacy, skills development, and gender equality in the garment, footwear, and travel goods (GFT) industry. This industry, employing over 800,000 workers in Cambodia, predominantly women from rural areas with low educational attainment, has witnessed a transformation through this initiative.
Savorn Moeung, who transitioned from a needleworker to a literacy teacher, shares her journey and the challenges she faced in adapting to her new role. Her commitment to improving teaching methods and effectiveness earned her the “Outstanding Literacy Teacher Award” from the MoEYS. The programme, focused on practicality and relevance, has significantly impacted the learners’ lives, as evidenced by the stories of Samoeun and Nay, who have found renewed confidence and skills through their participation in the literacy classes.
FLP-SkillsFuture, part of the Decent Employment for Youth in Cambodia (DEY) programme, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and UNESCO, provides workplace-based classes to enhance employability and life skills. The curriculum includes content about fire prevention, hygiene, and other practical knowledge that learners can share with their families.
The success of the programme is a testament to the transformative power of literacy and education, especially for women workers in the GFT sector. It not only equips them with essential skills but also unlocks doors to empowerment, reshaping their futures in profound ways.