The Joy of Reading Project Donates 1,000+ Books
By Mr Leang Techlong, Australian Alumni Association of Cambodia (AAA-C)
About the Program
The Joy of Reading (JoR) is an initiative that was established in July 2012. JoR aims to bring together graduates from Cambodia and around the world (including from Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK, Canada, Japan, Singapore and Korea) who are passionate about the future of Cambodian children with the specific aim of making books and appropriate reading materials available to children in need.
A representative from JoR speaks to the students
In addition, to the provision of books, the initiative harnesses the educational talents of young Cambodians to take forward a program of establishing reading groups and book clubs; hence encouraging the culture of reading. Supporters of “The Joy of Reading” initiative provide financial support, books and other materials including writing materials and/or their time.
The project's partners include CANS Cambodia, IDP Education, Save Cambodian Children Fund Australia (SCCFA), Australian Alumni Association of Cambodia (AAA-C), alumni and individuals.
The Charity Trip
A charity trip was organised on 13th January 2018, where the JoR donated more than a 1,000 books and study materials to two rural primary schools in Kampong Thom province. More than 450 students received and enjoyed reading colourful, well-written, and well-produced storybooks. On the trip, the group also planted some trees with teachers, parents, and students at Tuol Vihea Primary School and Puk Yuk Primary School.
Materials distributed to the students
In Cambodia, a large proportion of rural children hardly get access to a good education because of their family condition, the lack of technology, study materials and quality schools, which makes the students struggle to learn, especially in developing their reading skills. Reading habits are not generally encouraged and books are not widely available in most rural schools. While, in fact, children need to read good books to stimulate their imagination, expand their minds and evoke enough interest to keep them reading.
JoR team and local school's staff posing together for a group photo
JoR has donated to more than 10 primary schools in provinces including Kampong Speu, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom and Pailin.