Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Chea Somethy, Leads Inspection of Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation
On the morning of Monday, September 25, 2023, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Chea Somethy, headed a delegation from the Ministry of Social Affairs to oversee the progress of the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation.
Mr. Sam Sophea, Director of the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, lauded the productive collaboration between his department, partner organizations, and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Sihanoukville Provincial Administration. This collaboration has facilitated the delivery of social services and the implementation of social assistance programs under a successful social protection policy, benefiting a total of 11,467 individuals in Sihanoukville.
Mr. Sam Sophea emphasized the department’s commitment to addressing homelessness by establishing shelters and enhancing cooperation with partner organizations to provide essential services to victims while maintaining transparency in managing National Social Assistance Fund branches. The department also aims to strengthen its social service capacity, intensify interventions, bolster case management, and raise awareness through robust family campaigns to prevent domestic violence.
Minister of Social Affairs, H.E Chea Somethy, commended and expressed appreciation for the dedication and responsible actions of leaders, civil servants, and relevant units in the advancement of the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation.
H.E Minister Chea Somethy underlined the importance of implementing the Royal Government’s six priority policy, slated for execution before the end of 2023. These initiatives are geared towards establishing nationwide health coverage and offering free vocational training to underprivileged youth, along with providing additional support throughout their training. Furthermore, the national social assistance program will be extended to assist both the impoverished, the vulnerable, and informal workers, ensuring equitable attention and support during times of crisis or risk. Moreover, protective measures and financing programs will be introduced for farmers, including the deployment of agricultural technical officers to offer support nationwide. Farmers’ communities will also be established to safeguard their interests.
Among these six policies, two key points related to social work: 2nd Policy – Provision of vocational and technical training for youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. 3rd Policy – Assistance for impoverished and vulnerable families in mitigating the risks associated with economic crises and disasters.
The Minister also stressed the importance of intensifying efforts in prevention and response services, alongside efforts to enhance the capacity of officials. Additionally, the Minister emphasized the importance of timely provision of social funds to retired civil servants and veterans.
H.E Chea Somethy pledged to continue inspecting the progress of social affairs departments in other provinces, with a commitment to addressing challenges and further developing areas that require attention.
