Kep Province, Cambodia – The Don Bosco Kep community received an unexpected visit on Sunday, 11 January 2026, from His Excellency Say Sam Al, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia. He was accompanied by H.E. Som Piseth, Governor of Kep Province, along with other members of the provincial and central government.
Fr. Ly Samnang Albeiro Rodas, SDB, director of Don Bosco Kep, described the occasion as a moment of recognition:
“It is an honour for us to receive this sign of trust and appreciation from the Cambodian government, through the visit of His Excellency Say Sam Al, to this community of Don Bosco Kep. It is a visit to the dear members of our community made by children, youth and educators, working every day to build a society of love, peace and deep connection with the ancestral land of Cambodia.”
During his walk through the campus, the Deputy Prime Minister praised the school’s Jungle-Garden concept, which integrates environmental preservation with education. As a former Minister of Environment, he highlighted the importance of protecting Cambodia’s biodiversity and teaching young people to value nature.
Addressing students gathered at the campus, Say Sam Al commended the Salesian mission:
“The mission of Don Bosco in Cambodia is very much appreciated. We can see Don Bosco past pupils practically everywhere in the country, involved in different jobs, being an example. It is important to see that children and youth, who come from vulnerable communities, have an opportunity in life. Thanks to the Salesians for what they do in Cambodia.”
The visit underscored the government’s recognition of Don Bosco’s role in education and social development, particularly for children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
