Op-Ed: Bringing Childcare to Cambodia’s Doorsteps

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Imagine a world where no mother has to choose between her livelihood and the safety of her child—a world where every parent can pursue their work or dreams, knowing their child is in safe hands.

Yet, for many families in rural and suburban communities, particularly in places like Cambodia, this is not the reality.

The lack of affordable and accessible childcare options forces parents, especially mothers, into impossible choices. Some rely heavily on aging grandparents, while others are forced to bring their children to unsafe or unsuitable workplaces.

But what if there were a solution that moved with the rhythms of working mothers?

That’s the promise of mobile childcare units—an innovative, on-the-go solution that has already begun to make a difference in other parts of the world. In places like Burkina Faso, these mobile units travel alongside working mothers, offering peace of mind and a secure environment for their children.

With the right support, this concept could transform lives in Cambodia, providing families with the flexibility they need and easing the strain on overburdened caregivers. Mobile childcare units have the potential to become a lifeline for families who struggle to balance work and family life.

Could this be the answer Cambodia has been waiting for?

Mobile Childcare Units

Cambodia is not the only country where people are experiencing these pressing issues of inadequate affordable childcare options, other countries have begun to experiment with mobile childcare units as a promising solution. In the West African country of Burkina Faso, mobile childcare units have been established as a movable solution to offer a secure environment for children while their mothers work. 

These units accompany working mothers who move from one working place to another. These units typically comprise spacious tents donated by UNICEF, basic furnishings, toys, books, and food supplies. All necessary materials are packaged, loaded onto a trailer, and transported between sites using a three-wheeled vehicle.

Minata Dianda, a young mother whose child is in one of these daycare centers, told the World Bank that “knowing that our children are in a safe place gives us peace of mind while we work.” 

In Cambodia, mobile childcare units, operated by private companies in partnership with the government, could be tailored to serve low-income families in which both parents work outside of the home in suburban and rural communities, who depend on elderly grandparents for the child caring responsibilities. 

Not only do the units help ease the burdens of such responsibilities for the elderly to have some time for rest and medical checkups, but it is also cost and time-efficient for dual-income parents to leave their children in the care of such units available right at their village when grandparents aren’t there to help.   

Prior to establishing mobile childcare units, there should be a thorough needs assessment, which involves meticulous research into the demographics, population density, and existing childcare infrastructure within each targeted rural area.

To reduce the cost of childcare services, private companies could establish partnerships with local schools, community centers, and healthcare facilities, to maximize resource utilization and foster integrated services. Regular community events, workshops, and parent-teacher meetings would serve to cultivate a sense of belonging and collaboration among families, staff members, and the broader community as well as to share information about the units’ scheduling.

Final Thoughts:

In a world where every parent deserves the peace of mind that their child is safe and cared for, mobile childcare units offer a lifeline. They have the potential to transform Cambodia’s childcare landscape, particularly for families relying on elderly relatives.

By working together with local institutions and tailoring these units to meet specific community needs, we can make childcare more accessible and affordable. This is more than just a practical solution—it’s about building stronger communities and ensuring that every family has the chance to thrive.

Let’s unite in championing this cause, making sure that no family, child, or elder is left behind.