Today, only about 4,000 primary schools in Cambodia are equipped with a reading room or library where children can enjoy the fascinating world of reading.

• To allow access to a good reading environment
• To encourage reading and make books accessible to increase literacy

Intervention areas: Provinces of Kratie, Kompong Thom, Kandal, Stung Treng, Ratanakiri and Pailin

• Study of the needs of the community and elementary school in concert with the local authorities
• Evaluation of the community's willingness to participate in a reading promotion project
• Selection of a school and of a local committee for projection implementation
• Nomination and training of librarians
• Provision of books and other supplies
• Evaluation and follow-up of the project

PARTNERS: SIPAR, Community based Organization and European Commission

• Construction and equipping of 100 libraries in the country
• Training of 42 librarians

The impact of this project on the population was very successful. The children involved are now eager to read and learn. There was also a large amount of involvement from villagers who provided materials and helped with construction.