Despite an increase in the literacy rate in Cambodia over the past decade, some populated groups such as children from communities affected by floods and children in floating schools around the Tonle Sap Great Lake still face significant challenges. Today, their reading opportunities are improved with an adapted solution.
Floating public primary schools and schools with a risk of flooding don’t have a solid structure for providing good reading classes. Lack of classrooms, resource materials, and human resources are all major challenges for the education system. In consultation with the Ministry of Education and because of their success in remote areas of Cambodia, mobile libraries initiated by Aide et Action were identified as an appropriate and effective solution to respond to the restricted access to knowledge of the Cambodian school children. Thus, 60 primary schools were equipped with mobile libraries.
Get all your joy and knowledge from books
“This library is very interesting,” said Mr. Sareth, director of a floating school Youkanthor, “because it encourages my students to focus more on reading, instead of playing outside. It limits the risk of drowning. In addition, this library is very easy to move, keep and maintain due to its suitable size and shape.”
Aide et Action also distributed 6000 copies of 600 different books. Legends, fairy tales, and novels attracted the most interest of the children. “We could not find these books in our area. My students are very happy and their general knowledge will be significantly improved, “added Mr. Sareth with enthusiasm.