Cambodia reduces school hours over heat waves

All public schools in Cambodia have been ordered to cut one hour off their regular school daytime due to soaring temperatures in the ongoing dry season.
A class in Siem Reap province, Cambodia(Photo: AFP/VNA)
A class in Siem Reap province, Cambodia(Photo: AFP/VNA)

According to a directive released on April 25, the normal morning school session from 7 am to 11 am will now end half an hour earlier. Meanwhile, the afternoon session, which usually runs from 1 pm to 5 pm, will begin 30 minutes later at 1:30 pm.

Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron said in the directive that during the 2019 dry season, temperatures can be higher than 40 degrees Celsius between 10 am and 2 pm. The reduction of school hours aims to prevent heat-related illnesses, he added.

The measure will remain effective until the rainy season, which is expected to come in late May.

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