The launch of The perfect move – Or Tep Hattha in Khmer – an educational guide, alongside the completion of the first phase of the Youth Empowerment Project, today, November 5, marked an important moment in Cambodia’s educational landscape.

The initiatives aim to empower Cambodian youth through vocational training, cultural appreciation and civic engagement, reaching students in many provinces.

The first part of the event was dedicated to the release of the Khmer language adaptation of the guide which accompanies the critically acclaimed documentary by French director Xavier de Lauzanne. The film chronicles the journey and cultural significance of the Royal Cambodian Ballet.

Initially produced in French by the Lycée français René Descartes, the guide was adapted by Sipar to help Cambodian schools teach students about the country’s artistic heritage.

Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Hang Chuon Naron thanked the filmmaker for creating the documentary, which supports Cambodian cultural promotion and provides resources for research and training of young people, focusing particularly on the Royal Ballet.

“I extend my thanks to the French government, the French Development Agency (AFD), Sipar, our development partners and all the professional organizations concerned for their commitment to education reform, in youth development, to provide quality and equitable education and lifelong learning opportunities for all,” said Chuon Naron.

The film presents an intimate look at the country’s Royal Ballet, charting its resilience and evolution since 1906.

He weaves the creation of the ballet Metamorphosis by Princess Norodom Buppha Devi and the broader history of ballet, addressing its near-loss during the Khmer Rouge era and its subsequent revival.

Featuring personal stories from young dancers and experienced ballet masters, the documentary is both a cultural tribute and a resource for educators.

Lach Rachna, an official with the French NGO Sipar, stressed that the guide was developed to complement educational screenings of the film.

With this guide, Cambodian educators can foster classroom discussions and help students connect to the country’s rich traditions.

“Students aren’t just watching to be entertained; they are encouraged to discuss the themes covered in the film,” she explained. “This guide is aimed at teachers who wish to explore the topics of the film in more depth with their students. »

Speaking to school principals and provincial officials from the Ministry of Education, Rachna added that through the film previews and exercises in this book, teachers can help students engage in discussions and develop their critical thinking regarding the content of the film.

Deputy Director of the Siem Reap Provincial Education Department Nhek Sokun, a member of the workshop, said the book is incredibly valuable in providing knowledge to teachers and students.

“If there is more training, it will be even better, because it will allow students to deepen their understanding of Cambodia’s national cultural heritage,” he said.

Earlier this year, the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC Group) partnered with Aloest Productions to expand the documentary’s reach across Europe.

Since early 2024, the film has been screened in more than 30 cities, introducing Cambodian cultural history to international audiences and the Khmer diaspora.

Dance teacher Sok Sitha, of Princess Norodom Buppha Devi Dance School, noted that the school provides free instruction of traditional Khmer dances to more than 200 students, thereby helping to preserve the country’s cultural heritage.

A participant reads The Perfect Motion teaching guide in Khmer. Hong Raksmey

“We teach various traditional dances, including Sampéahor Khmer-style bow, rooted in classical Khmer dance,” Sitha explained.

De Lauzanne said that the value of art lies in its universality.

“The perfect move is not only about Cambodia, but also about the essential connection between people’s identity and artistic creativity,” he added.

“Sok Nalys, one of the young dancers in the film, said: “When culture withers, the nation collapses. When culture flourishes, the nation prospers. Ballet helped restore Cambodia’s dignity after the cruelty and deprivation of the Khmer Rouge era. This film pays tribute to all those who contributed to the return of culture and light,” he continued.

In order to reach the widest audience, de Lauzanne explained that the film was dubbed into Khmer.

Having become famous as a prima ballerina and then living in a refugee camp near the Thai border, Voan Savay, one of the masters featured in the documentary, carried the legacy of Khmer classical dance.

Traumatized after the Khmer Rouge, she initially sought to flee abroad but changed her mind at the border, choosing instead to stay, gather children and teach them the art of dance.

“I can die and be reborn, but the art form cannot die,” she added.

Second phase of the youth empowerment project

The seminar reflected on the successes of the first phase of the Youth Empowerment project, co-financed by AFD and developed by Sipar in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.

The three-year initiative (October 2021-September 2024) supported more than 27,000 students in 16 secondary schools in 14 provinces.

The project provided modernized library services, reading resources, job training, digital skills programs and civic engagement opportunities.

At the end of the first phase, Sipar celebrated the development of 11 book titles and four types of digital content designed to improve professional skills and civic awareness.

Sipar Managing Director Hok Sothy expressed gratitude for the support of the ministry and AFD as the organization enters the second phase.

Covering 24 provinces, the second phase will mobilize more than 40,000 young people, including around 20,000 women, in high schools, youth centers and community groups.

Participants watch the intro of The Perfect Motion during the launch of the Khmer guide. Hong Raksmey

“The second phase will strengthen youth vocational training and community engagement over the next 32 months,” Sothy explained.

Sokun also spoke about the local impact of the program, mentioning that 28 Makara High School, in Srei Snam district of Siem Reap, joined the second phase.

“Through this expansion, more students and teachers will benefit from professional training and cultural education, helping them appreciate and preserve Cambodian heritage,” he added.

The second phase of the project, which runs from October 2024 to May 2027, will focus on expanding training, volunteering and civic engagement.

With a budget of more than $980,000, of which AFD finances 80 percent and Sipar 20 percent, the initiative is part of the country’s national youth development policy.

During his speech, Chuon Naron explained that phase two will target young people aged 12 to 25, with an emphasis on the participation of young women.

“This project will further support Cambodia’s educational reform, focusing on equitable and quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all,” he said.

Minister of Education Hang Chuon Naron and French Ambassador to Cambodia Jacques Pellet attend a live traditional dance, Preah Thong and Neang Neak. Hong Raksmey

The French Ambassador to Cambodia, Jacques Pellet, expressed hope that the book retains its influence in society.

“Culture has tremendous value in Cambodia, especially for young people,” he noted. “AFD has supported Sipar for more than a decade because of its important role in cultural and educational development, particularly in promoting the culture of reading in Cambodia. »