Cultivating Cambodia’s Reading Culture

Cultivating Cambodia’s Reading Culture

It is a fact that reading is the source of knowledge and wisdom. Throughout history and across the globe intellectuals, scientists and innovators all acknowledge that the secret to becoming successful in their chosen fields comes from the power of reading.

So, to build more Cambodian innovators and pioneers, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports have collaborated with the Asia Foundation and other partners to launch #ReadEveryDay. The nationwide reading campaign aims to further nurture and cultivate reading habits for all Cambodian’s, particularly for children.

The campaign has been designed for families, teachers and librarians to engage at least 100,000 children to be reading a book during the Mar 6 – 15 reading week.

Dr.​ Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports said, “It is evident that early reading is the foundation of quality education. The #ReadEveryDay campaign is a key driver to reinforce early reading habits for our country’s children, allowing them to achieve a quality education combined with lifelong learning.”

The #ReadEveryDay campaign website (www.letsreadeveryday.org) has been designed for teachers, parents, and librarians to learn how to motivate children and pledge their commitment to reading. There are also, ten short video clips that feature suggested techniques and prompts recommending how to improve the enjoyment of reading.

Under the theme, “reading improves intelligence and innovation and is the foundation of research”, the campaign emphasizes the importance children and parents to engage in reading together.

Jonathan Yap, head of regulatory and corporate affairs at Smart Axiata said, “We recognize the value of reading as a vital tool for improving basic literacy and to spark imagination amongst children, especially at an early age. I hope many people will let their children join this initiative because all of us want to see the advancement and development of Cambodia.”

H.E Dr. Hang Chuon Naron said, “I would like to appeal to the public, school teachers, librarians and parents to start a good routine by cultivating reading habits with your children”.