The new EPIC (Enhancing Pedagogy in Cambodia) Alliance has evolved out of a recognition among Cambodian and international education and development professionals of the unique circumstances of the Cambodian education sector and the need and opportunity for relevant, evidence-based research to guide policy-makers and practitioners. This has found particular resonance in Ireland where there is now extensive long-term engagement.

Mission

The EPIC Alliance is a long-term academic and practitioner partnership between Cambodia and Ireland, established to strengthen education in Cambodia. Through collaborative research, staff exchange, and school-based innovation, the Alliance builds practical knowledge, strengthens institutional capacity, and empowers teachers, researchers, and policy makers to improve learning outcomes for Cambodian children.

Values

  1. Mutuality: A partnership built on equality, respect, and reciprocal learning.
  2. Embedded Practice: Research grounded in the realities of Cambodian schools and teacher experience.
  3. Professional Agency: Teachers are engaged as reflective practitioners and knowledge creators.
  4. Ethical Collaboration: Guided by non-extractive, participatory, and culturally informed principles.
  5. Equity and Inclusion: Prioritising learner diversity, accessibility, and gender-responsive practice.

History of EPIC Alliance

This Alliance builds on the proven foundation of the Professional Identity for Khmer Teachers (PIKT) project (2022–2025), which employed participatory design-based research to support teacher professional identity development in Cambodia. That collaboration brought together Phnom Penh Teacher Education College (PTEC), SeeBeyondBorders (SBB), the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), and the National College of Ireland (NCI) (with Professor Leo Casey as Principal Investigator). As PIKT concludes, the EPIC Alliance offers an expanded platform to formalise this work and build a sustainable mechanism for further collaborative development, research, and exchange.

Why EPIC Alliance?

Building on the success of the recent Professional Identity for Khmer Teachers (PIKT) research project, this Alliance will seek to:

  • Build bridges between cultures, highlight impactful practices, and celebrate the resilience and creativity of educators worldwide.
  • Expand collaborations led by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) beyond the topic of teacher identity to include other facets of teacher and pedagogical development.
  • Broaden and deepen the extent of the network partnerships across Cambodia and the island of Ireland, and include international participation from HEIs in both the global north and south.
  • Expand the platform for research, innovation and practice improvement, increasing international collaboration and support for improved educational outcomes in Cambodia and elsewhere.
  • Increase awareness in the global north concerning Cambodian education challenges and opportunities, disseminating evidence and practice on what works to improve educational outcomes for Cambodian Children.
  • Advocate for evidence-based investment in Cambodian education to drive improvement of teaching and learning.

NOTE: If you are interested in participating in the Summit but do not wish to lead a session, you are most welcome to attend. Please just tick the relevant box on the Registration Form.

Key Dates For Registration

Early Bird Registration:

28 February 2025

Last day to Register:

31 May 2025

What to Include in Your Proposal

To help you craft your proposal, please include:

  1. A short abstract (around 500 words) summarizing your topic, its relevance, and what participants will take away.
  2. The preferred format of your session (e.g., workshop, presentation, discussion).
  3. Any specific needs, such as translation or technical support.


Proposals should emphasize engagement and dialogue over monologues. Consider what questions you want participants to leave asking and how your session will create lasting connections.

Key Dates For Proposals

Deadline for Proposals:

17 March 2025

Notification of Acceptance:

28 March 2025

Final Submission of Materials:

28 May 2025