World Vision International (Cambodia) has announced its 3rd Read Louder Campaign, scheduled for March 23, at The Factory Phnom Penh in the capital’s Meanchey district. The campaign aims to gather donations of 10,000 books, with the goal of promoting literacy in remote areas.
The organisation said on March 20 that the book drive will be launched in alignment with the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport’s National Reading Day. The event received support from SP Building Management – GIA Tower and The Factory Phnom Penh.
“With a steadfast commitment to fostering inclusive educational programmes, we aim to enhance literacy and instil a culture of reading among children,” it said.
The primary goal of the campaign is to gather 10,000 books, which will be distributed among libraries and 216 reading camps in remote communities in Kratie, Preah Vihear and Banteay Meanchey provinces.
Ny Sopharan, World Vision Cambodia’s operations director, believes that Read Louder transcended a mere book drive but serves as a catalyst for nurturing a passion for reading and learning among children.
“Through this campaign, we aspire to create enduring impacts by granting children access to quality reading materials and nurturing their affinity for books,” he added.
Sopharan explained the pivotal role of literacy in unlocking children’s potential and brightening their future. He noted that Cambodia faces literacy challenges, as highlighted by a recent World Bank report, which said over 50 per cent of children struggle to read or comprehend a simple story by the end of primary school
He said disruptions caused by pandemic-related school closures have exacerbated these challenges, hindering students’ reading proficiency. Nonetheless, studies indicate that providing high-quality storybooks and establishing a network of reading support can significantly enhance reading outcomes, including proficiency, frequency and attitudes.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the campaign, Phann Reasey, general manager of SP Building Management – GIA Tower, said that language, communication and reading skills lay the foundations for all learning.
“We believe this partnership will grant children in remote areas greater accessibility to enrich their experiences, thinking and conversations through reading,” she said.
Choun Channak, event coordinator at Factory Phnom Penh, was thrilled to contribute to the campaign, She underscored the pivotal role of reading in both personal growth and the advancement of the nation.
Mony Oudom, a third-grader in Preah Vihear province’s Rovieng district, shared his delight at a new reading camp in his community. He said it has lots of books to read and that he and his friends often go there and have fun together.
“My friends and I always come here to draw, or borrow books that we can read at home with our parents and siblings,” he said, expressing hope that all rural communities enjoy the same facilities.
According to World Vision Cambodia, its 970 reading camps across 20 provinces currently benefit over 30,000 children. In addition, more than 40,000 parents and caregivers have received training to cultivate supportive learning and reading environments at home, enhancing their children’s reading and learning capabilities.
