For the first time in over 20 years, an Irish Government Minister visited Cambodia to celebrate St Patrick’s Week and to solidify the growing bond between the two countries.
We were honoured that Minister for State, Noel Grealish, and Irish Ambassador to Cambodia, Deirdre Ní Fhallúin, chose to participate in a Le Chéile (Together) Cambodia-Ireland educational gathering in Siem Reap, co-hosted by SeeBeyondBorders and our friends at PEPY Empowering Youth.
This gathering brought together Irish government officials, Cambodian Irish-Aid Fellows, staff from both organisations and the District Governors of Kralanh and Srei Snam districts in Siem Reap. The event featured speakers, singers and a short-video showcasing the growing links between Cambodia and the island of Ireland.
SeeBeyondBorders has been an Irish Aid partner since 2017. Since then, three of our Cambodian staff and one trustee have been awarded Irish Aid Fellowships to study postgraduate degrees in Irish Institutes and Universities. In addition, the Irish government also funded the Professional Identity of Khmer Teachers research project. We are also awaiting the outcome from our recent application to the Irish Aid Civil Society Fund.
Commenting on the gathering, Colm Byrne, CEO International Operations said, ”We are delighted that the Minister and Ambassador took the time to engage with us and learn about the impact of our work. The Minister’s presence in Cambodia demonstrates the Irish government’s increased commitment in Cambodia, which is heartening to see. In the midst of a crisis in international development, the continued support we get from the island of Ireland is crucial.”
As the only Irish NGO focused on Cambodia, and the only member of Dóchas focused exclusively in Asia, SeeBeyondBorders Ireland greatly appreciates this high-level recognition of the work it supports. Targeted investment that is evidence-based changes education for Cambodian children, who are among the most disadvantaged globally in education.
Go raibh milé maith agat Aire Stáit Grealish agus H.E Ambasadóir Ni Fhallúin.
Lá Fhéile Pádraig faoi mhaise daoibh! Tosaíonn athrú le hoideachas!
