Reading in the Time of Pandemic
By Ratha Virak Tepy & Sun Sokhen“I am glad that I have learnt more words and how to spell them.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools in Cambodia were closed, affecting children’s education and hampering the development of their reading and writing capabilities. In response, World Vision initiated a Mobile Library initiative in March 2021 together with local schools to meet the educational needs of children in Cambodia.
The mobile library is run by young facilitators and enables children to read and borrow different genres of books. “When I read a lot, I start to understand things better, know more vocabulary and how to spell them. The facilitators would bring books to my house, so it is easier,” says Makara, a 12-year-old boy.
Since the launch of the initiative, there has been a significant reduction in time spent on watching television and playing mobile games among students. “I am very happy that the number of books borrowed has increased, and that children are now more enthusiastic towards reading,” says Mr. Udom, a librarian involved in the project. “I believe that it helps the education system in our country, especially in terms of helping children in rural areas read.”