One in four Cambodians over the age of 15 are illiterate. Our library program in rural Siem Reap will provide over 200 disadvantaged children with daily library access to improve their literacy, following a curriculum designed by a local librarian.
The Khmer Rouge genocide resulted in 90% of teachers and scholars being killed. This resulted in a rise of illiteracy (one in four Cambodians over the age of 15 are illiterate) and a culture where reading is not deemed to be important. We aim to change this through our library program for disadvantaged children living in rural Siem Reap.
Our library sees 200 children come through its doors each week to read Khmer and English books. Our qualified librarian promotes the importance of reading and helps students who are struggling. As a result, all of our them have been able to progress at public school thanks to this literacy. By supporting this, you will enable us to purchase 150 new books in 2020, so our students can have constant access to new literature, enabling them to absorb new information and develop a love of reading.
This library program will result in informed, knowledgeable students who become better citizens. Never underestimate the impact that reading and education have on a child in their future.
