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The launch of Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner
On 22nd November 2024, a grassroots committee, in partnership with Chumkriel Language School and Epic Arts, will launch the Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner (KIRC). This exciting new community initiative will offer a free, weekly public reading corner and library featuring both Khmer and English books.
Located on the newly renovated riverside promenade, south of the Seahorse statue, the KIRC aims to address the critical gap in book access for children in Cambodia, grow a culture of reading, and empower young learners to thrive and succeed.
Studies show that reading helps children develop essential problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
However, many children in Cambodia face significant barriers to accessing physical books. The Asia Foundation’s 2022 report found that 87% of Cambodian families have no bookstores and 90% lack access to public libraries. In response, the KIRC will offer a welcoming space for children and families to borrow books and engage with reading.
Pay it forward
Donate books or support to empower Cambodia’s future
The Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner (KIRC) will be staffed by two bilingual teachers, who will assist with reading comprehension and create an empowering, supportive learning environment for all visitors.
KIRC is seeking book donations and financial support to help sustain and expand the project. We also welcome qualified volunteer teachers from the local community to help make a difference.
Do you have the energy to be empowering?
If you are interested in supporting our initiative, we would love to hear from you!
Please get in touch with us directly via our Facebook Page (KIRC) or email us at
Your kind support will help nurture a love for reading and learning in the children of Kampot, Cambodia. To contribute, scan the QR code below.
Together, we can make a lasting difference to the future of Kampot’s young learners!
Why Cambodian children struggle to access books
Insights from key publications
The Benefits of Reading and How to Promote Reading Habits among Cambodians by Samnang Yen
Published in the Cambodian Journal of Educational Research in 2023, the article discusses the vital role of reading in expanding knowledge. The article outlines several key benefits of reading, including –
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Enhancing Cognitive Development- Reading stimulates brain activity, improving critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
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Expanding Vocabulary and Language Skills- Regular reading helps build a diverse vocabulary, improves grammar, and enhances communication skills, which are essential for academic and professional success.
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Encouraging Lifelong Learning- Reading fosters a culture of continuous education, enabling individuals to seek new information and stay curious throughout their lives.
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Improving Focus and Concentration- Engaging with books helps develop better focus and attention span, which is beneficial in both academic and personal contexts.
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Boosting Empathy and Emotional Intelligence- Reading fiction, in particular, allows readers to explore diverse perspectives, increasing empathy and understanding of others’ emotions and experiences.
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Promoting Mental Health- Reading can be a therapeutic activity, offering a way to relax and reduce stress while providing an escape and mental stimulation.
The Reading Habits of Children in Cambodia a report, published by the Asia Foundation in November 2022, presents findings from a survey of 400 households in Phnom Penh. The report highlights several barriers to children’s access to books, such as –
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Limited Availability of Books- Many households face a shortage of age-appropriate books for children, particularly in rural areas, where access to libraries or bookstores is minimal.
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Economic Barriers- The cost of books is often a significant barrier for families, with many unable to afford educational materials in addition to daily living expenses.
- Lack of Reading Spaces – Many children lack a dedicated space for reading at home, and public reading spaces are often limited or under-resourced, hindering opportunities for children to engage with books.
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Low Parental Engagement- A lack of parental involvement in fostering reading habits due to factors such as busy work schedules, low literacy levels, or a lack of awareness about the importance of reading for child development.
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Language and Literacy Challenges –Many people in Cambodia face literacy challenges, particularly in reading Khmer and other languages, which can discourage regular reading habits.
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Limited School Resources- In some areas, schools are not equipped with sufficient reading materials or libraries, making it difficult for children to develop reading skills and foster a love for books.
- Read the full report here.
About Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner
(KIRC)
KIRC is an empowering collaborative project founded by a local committee of long-term expats and dedicated Cambodians, all of whom share a passion for learning and helping others.
Supported by Chumkriel Language School, The Phnom Penh Rotary, Epic Arts, CV Books and myself this initiative focuses on improving access to reading materials for children in Kampot.
Aligned with Cambodia’s broader educational goals, KIRC seeks to empower young learners by encouraging lifelong reading habits and fostering a love for learning.
Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner in Kampot, Cambodia is driven by several compelling reasons, all aimed at fostering education, inclusion, and community development.
Here are some key points that could explain the purpose and motivation behind our initiative –
1. Promoting Literacy and Education
The Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner aims to create an empowering, accessible space where both children and adults, regardless of their background, can freely access books and educational resources.
In Cambodia, where access to quality education can be limited, particularly in rural areas, establishing a reading corner plays a crucial role in enhancing literacy skills.
This initiative not only supports immediate learning but also fosters lifelong educational growth, helping bridge the gap and providing a foundation for continuous learning in the community.
2. Creating an Inclusive Space
The term “inclusive” reflects the core mission of the Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner, to create a space that is accessible to everyone in the community. This includes people with disabilities, marginalized groups, and those who may not have access to traditional educational resources. By prioritizing inclusivity, the reading corner ensures that individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can engage with books, expand their knowledge, and benefit from the space, fostering a sense of belonging and equal opportunity for all.
3. Encouraging a Love of Reading
For many children and young adults, the opportunity to develop a love for reading is often limited by a lack of resources or environments that don’t foster this passion. The Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner aims to create an empowering, inviting, and inspiring space where community members can explore the joy of books and stories. Providing access to a variety of reading materials helps ignite creativity, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning, encouraging individuals to expand their knowledge and enrich their lives through the power of reading.
4. Supporting Local Communities
Kampot, a vibrant town with a rich cultural heritage, continues to grow, yet some areas still face challenges due to limited resources. The Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner will offer a community hub where locals can come together, learn, and share experiences. By providing a space for cultural exchange and knowledge-sharing, the reading corner fosters unity and collective growth, strengthening community bonds and ensuring that all residents have access to the tools they need for personal and collective development.
5. Encouraging Youth Development
The Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner offers an empowering and valuable resource for the youth of Kampot, providing access to books and reading programs that nurture critical thinking, communication skills, and self-confidence. By creating an environment that supports personal growth and learning, the reading corner helps young people develop the skills needed for academic success and future opportunities. This initiative can lead to improved educational outcomes and open doors to greater possibilities, empowering the next generation to shape a brighter future for themselves and the community.
6. Enhancing Social Inclusion
In Cambodia, many communities face challenges related to social and economic exclusion, particularly those from lower-income families or rural areas. The Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner can serve as a powerful catalyst for social inclusion, offering access to educational materials and creating an environment where everyone, regardless of economic background or social status, can feel welcome and supported. By providing equal opportunities for learning and connection, the reading corner helps bridge divides, foster community solidarity, and ensure that all individuals have the chance to thrive.
7. Building a Culture of Lifelong Learning
Creating a dedicated reading space helps cultivate an empowering culture where learning is valued at every stage of life. Whether it’s children discovering the joy of reading, adults seeking knowledge to advance their careers, or elderly individuals engaging with books for enjoyment and mental stimulation, the Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner provides a welcoming environment for all. By encouraging learning across generations, the reading corner becomes an empowering hub for lifelong learning, supporting personal growth, skill development, and intellectual curiosity for people of all ages.
8. Supporting Cambodia’s Development Goals
The Cambodian government, along with various NGOs, has made significant strides in improving education. Establishing the Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner directly supports these efforts by aligning with national goals to increase literacy rates, reduce educational inequality, and provide access to quality education for all. By participating in this initiative, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, you are contributing to Cambodia’s broader educational development goals, helping to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all Cambodians.
9. Sustainability and Local Partnerships
The Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner has the potential to serve as a model for sustainable community initiatives across Cambodia. By promoting environmentally conscious practices and working closely with local organizations, schools, and volunteers, the project can ensure its long-term sustainability. This collaborative approach will help maintain the reading corner as a valuable resource for Kampot’s residents for years to come, fostering ongoing community engagement and ensuring that the space continues to benefit future generations.
10. Building a Bridge for Cultural Exchange
Kampot, with its vibrant mix of tourists and expatriates, is an ideal setting for fostering cultural exchange. The Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner can serve as an empowering meeting point where people from diverse backgrounds come together to share stories, books, and experiences. This exchange not only allows locals to engage with global perspectives but also offers tourists and expats an opportunity to connect more deeply with Cambodian culture. By bridging cultural divides, the reading corner empowers a greater sense of community and mutual understanding for all involved.
Takeaway
Why a Reading Corner in Cambodia Matters
Having a reading corner in Kampot, Cambodia, is about more than just providing books, it is about creating an empowering space that promotes learning, inclusivity, and community engagement.
It fosters a culture of reading, encouraging lifelong learning, critical thinking, and personal growth. In Cambodia, where access to books can be limited, a dedicated reading space helps bridge this gap, offering resources that might otherwise be out of reach.
By nurturing a love for reading, we not only support individual development but also contribute to the collective progress of the community. In turn, this empowers children to become active learners, problem-solvers, and informed citizens.
Ultimately, a reading corner is an investment in Cambodia’s brighter, more inclusive future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
A reading corner in Kampot, Cambodia is about creating a space that fosters learning, empowerment, inclusivity, and community engagement. It nurtures a culture of reading, supports both individual growth and collective progress and plays a key role in shaping a brighter future for Cambodia.
It is also a great reason to visit Kampot. See you soon.
