Case studies of integrated pedagogy in vocational education: A three-tier approach to empowering vulnerable youth in urban Cambodia

This paper starts with the real-life issues pertaining to the educational, economic and socio-cultural vulnerability of young Cambodians; and the latter in turn has called for greater integrated stance in vocational education. A multiple-case study of nine educational NGOs located in four cities was conducted, whereby what constitutes an integrated pedagogy of vocational education is explored and, accordingly, a context-appropriate three-tier approach to empowering vulnerable youth is developed. I argue that the young people's vulnerability in urban Cambodia could not be overcome, unless vocational education has a more positive effect on their employment and empowerment. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.