National Reading Day Event to boost literacy
National Reading Day Event to boost literacy
Preparations are ongoing for the celebration of the National Reading Day on March 6 which aims to promote the joy and value of reading among Cambodian youths, the Ministry of Education said yesterday.
Speaking at the press conference, Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron said the National Reading Day will be celebrated at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia.
The event will see the participation of more than 100 book stores and publishers, as well as workshops which will allow amateur and experienced writers to share their love of literature and the importance of fostering a culture of reading.
The ministry, he said, is also set to launch a reading campaign across provinces from March 6 to 15.
“We call on parents and youth to join the National Reading Day. We need to create a culture of reading among children as early as possible by bringing them to libraries and practicing bedtime reading,” said Mr Naron.
The ministry plans on having quality libraries in all 6,000 schools across the Kingdom.
“All schools already have libraries but not all of them are well equipped. Some do not have enough books related to the students learning level,” he said.
To compliment the establishment of improved libraries, he urged parents to encourage reading among their children outside the school premises.
Tim Serey Roth, a parent, said she always brings her daughter to the library to read books or buy reading materials at the bookstore.
“I want to see my daughter develop a reading habit and a love for books from a young age. Besides teachers, I believe parents play a bigger role in instilling the value of reading among their children,” said Ms Serey Roth.
In December last year, about 16,000 visitors attended the three-day 8th Cambodia Book Fair, themed “Start Your Dream with a Book in Your Hand”. National Library director Klout Vibollar said the numbers show the growing interest of the younger generation towards reading, with them buying books of different genres.
Source: Khmer Times
