New project to teach Khmer Rouge history launched

Bophana Center opened the App-learning on Khmer Rouge History project with a launch ceremony on August 26, 2016. The 24-month project is a proposed Extraordinary Chambers in the Extraordinary Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) judicial reparation project developed and implemented for the benefit of civil parties in Case 002/02, survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime. The project is funded by the European Union and Rei Foundation Limited, under the Khmer Rouge History Programme implemented in indirect management with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

The project consists in the creation of an educational multimedia application about Khmer Rouge history and its wide diffusion with free online access. The app will be used in high schools and universities in Cambodia, as a complementary tool for the national education curriculum which may facilitate the work of teachers by proposing an alternative educational approach in dealing with Khmer Rouge history in the classroom.

The project will be supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports as its cooperative partner. The objective of the project is to educate youth on Khmer Rouge history by using an innovative multimedia application consisting of accurate and standardised information validated by Cambodian and international experts, as well as to raise awareness about justice, human rights and peace, fostering intergenerational dialogue between Khmer Rouge survivors and youth.

Capitalising on social media, the created application will play a role of crossroads for discussing about Khmer Rouge history, so that young people are not left alone facing a difficult topic.

Slider Image A performance of traditional Cambodian music at the launch.

A performance of traditional Cambodian music at the launch.

Slider Image Historians, members of the European Union, and Bophana Center at the launch.

Historians, members of the European Union, and Bophana Center at the launch.

Slider Image The launch was held at Bophana Center and attracted a large audience, excited for the project.

The launch was held at Bophana Center and attracted a large audience, excited for the project.

Slider Image Bophana Center Director Sopheap Chea presents the project.

Bophana Center Director Sopheap Chea presents the project.

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