The Healing Power of Books
Ignite hope
I have always loved reading. But it wasn’t until I lost the ability to read that I truly understood its power to ignite hope. After my brain injury, I had to start from scratch, word by word, sound by sound. What should have been simple felt impossible. But then, a friend gave me I Am the Central Park Jogger. It was hard to read, both physically and emotionally. I had to fight through every sentence. And yet, as I read about the horrific abuse she had suffered, I found comfort. If she could survive that, if she could rebuild her life, then so could I.
This is the power of books. They teach us, they heal us, and they remind us we are not alone.
Cambodia’s Story
And It’s Future
Cambodia has faced unimaginable pain, its history steeped in war, genocide, and the struggles that echo through the generations. The scars of the past are not just distant memories; they remain, woven into the fabric of daily life, felt in the poverty that persists, in rural areas where access to education remains scarce, and in the opportunities that are so often out of reach for so many. Hun Manet and his wife are deeply committed to education, understanding its transformative power, and working tirelessly to help shape a brighter future for Cambodia. I can only hope that as change comes, it remains grounded in the heart of this beautiful land and isn’t overshadowed by outside influences.
Yet, despite it all, Cambodia never gives up. The resilience of the Khmer people is remarkable; they fight for a better life, for their families, and a future filled with hope. This unwavering strength is what makes Cambodia truly special.
That’s why we created KIRC – the Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner. It’s more than just a small, quiet space; it’s a sanctuary for learning, where books are free, stories are shared, and education is nurtured. Because reading isn’t simply about turning pages; it’s about unlocking a world of possibilities and helping ignite hope in every heart.
A child who reads can dream of a future beyond their village. An adult who learns to read can finally understand the contracts they sign. A community with access to books can grow in ways they never imagined.
As a teacher, I witness the profound impact of education every day. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing children grow in confidence, and watching them light up as they decode words and discover new ideas. These moments are what matter most; they are the stepping stones to a brighter, more empowered future.
The Danger of Mobile Phones
Protecting Cambodia’s Future
There’s a growing concern about the impact of mobile phones on the way we think, learn, and connect with the world. The negative effects of mobile phones on intelligence and critical thinking are becoming more apparent. Instead of reading, children and adults alike are becoming glued to screens, scrolling endlessly, consuming mindless content that contributes nothing to their growth.
I do not want Cambodia’s future generations to become brain-dead. They deserve better. They deserve real knowledge, the kind that only books can offer. Reading nurtures patience, comprehension, creativity, and a deeper connection to the world. It shapes minds, expands horizons, and helps people grow in ways no screen can. Most importantly, books have the power to ignite hope, hope for a future where knowledge triumphs over distraction, and where every child can dream beyond their circumstances.
We must protect this. We must ensure that education, books, and critical thinking remain at the core of Cambodia’s future. Let’s strive to nurture a generation that values knowledge over distraction, one page at a time.
Read more here: Mobile Phones – Discover The 1 Negative Effect On Our Lives
Giving with Heart
Choosing the Right NGOs or supporting the right idea
Over the years, I’ve seen the best and worst of charity work in Cambodia. Not all NGOs are what they seem. Some do more harm than good, exploiting the very people they claim to help. They repeat the cycle of collecting donations and rewards, setting up countless GoFundMe campaigns to support their lifestyles while giving only a few dollars here and there to appear as the “good person.” Meanwhile, they enjoy the rewards, often indulging in unhealthy habits, such as drinking away the funds meant for those in need.
That’s why it’s so important to support ethical, and often Khmer-led initiatives, those that are truly making a difference. By choosing wisely, we can help create a lasting, positive impact that doesn’t perpetuate harm or exploitation.
Learn more about ethical giving- Grooming – 7 Helpful Ways To Know A Well-Meaning Adult Or A Predator
There are incredible organisations out there, such as:
Epic Arts – Promoting inclusion through art and education. Epic Arts wholeheartedly believes in building an inclusive society where every person, including those with disabilities, in Cambodia and beyond, is not only counted but also celebrated for their uniqueness. Through art and education, they empower individuals and create opportunities for them to express themselves, contributing to a more inclusive and understanding world. Find out more here – Epic arts
Sipar Cambodia – Bringing books and libraries to rural communities.
The mission of Sipar Cambodia is to promote education and the development of reading habits in Cambodia by allowing everyone to have access to books and by fighting against illiteracy. Through their dedicated efforts, they bring books and libraries to rural communities, opening doors to learning and helping individuals break the cycle of illiteracy. Find out more here – Sipar
Friends International – Protecting children and supporting families. Save Lives.
Friends International is dedicated to saving lives by providing life-saving services to children, youth, and families, day and night, wherever they are. Their mission is to build brighter futures by ensuring access to education, employment, and the rebuilding of families. Find out more here – Friends International
If we support the right people, we create real change. Change that lasts.
How You Can Help
Right now, a friend is hosting a hot sauce night to raise money for KIRC. Every cent goes towards buying more books, creating a better reading space, and helping more people discover the joy of learning. Of course, his costs for setting up the event are covered, but this initiative is a great example of how we can all contribute in different ways.
But there are so many other ways to support:
Donate Books
If you’re visiting Kampot, we invite you to bring a book to add to our collection at KIRC. Every book donated helps enrich the lives of those who have limited access to reading materials, creating new learning opportunities.
How can you donate?
It’s simple! When you visit, just bring along a book (or several) that you think others would enjoy and benefit from. Whether it’s a novel, a children’s book, or something educational, your donation will make a lasting impact.
We’ve made it easy by setting up a dedicated drop-off point at KIRC. Feel free to stop by and leave your donation during your visit, knowing it will find a new home with a community eager to learn and grow. Your contribution will be treasured and passed on to those who need it most.
Thank you for helping us spread the love of reading!
Volunteer Your Time
Make a Difference
At KIRC, we are a community of passionate volunteers, dedicated to making a positive impact. While we pay our Khmer staff, we always welcome more hands to help. Volunteering your time is a meaningful way to contribute to the future of Cambodia’s youth and the community.
How can you get involved?
You can volunteer in a variety of ways:
- Read with children – Share the joy of reading and help young learners discover the world through books.
- Help with English phonics lessons – Assist children in building foundational skills in English, setting them up for success.
- Share stories – Whether it’s about your life, your travels, or your passions, simply sitting down with a child or adult and sharing a story can spark imagination and learning.
Volunteers like you help create an environment where education thrives and where everyone is encouraged to learn and grow. Your time and energy can make a lasting difference. Join us in helping shape the future of Cambodia, one book, one lesson, and one story at a time.
Spread the Word
Help Us Make a Bigger Impact
The more people who know about ethical ways to help Cambodia, the greater the change we can create. By sharing the mission of KIRC and the importance of supporting sustainable, community-driven initiatives, you can help raise awareness and inspire others to get involved.
Whether it’s through donating books, volunteering your time, or simply telling others about the work we’re doing, every action counts. By spreading the word, you’re helping us build a network of support that can provide lasting benefits to Cambodia’s future.
Together, we can ensure that ethical, meaningful efforts to help Cambodia continue to grow, fostering a brighter future for all. Let’s work together to make the world a better place, starting here.
Support Financially
Every Contribution Counts
Even a small donation can make a world of difference. Your financial support helps us provide essential resources like books, mats, and learning materials for children and families at KIRC. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, directly impacts the education and growth of the community.
With your help, we can continue to expand our library, offer more learning opportunities, and ensure that every child has access to the tools they need to thrive. By supporting us financially, you’re investing in the future of Cambodia—one lesson, one book, and one child at a time.
Thank you for helping us create lasting change!
Takeaway
Little by little, we are building something beautiful. And just like learning to read, it takes time.
But one day, a child will sit in our reading corner, pick up a book, and find something inside that changes them forever.
Maybe that child will be the next teacher.
Maybe they’ll be the next leader.
Maybe they’ll be the one to build an even stronger Cambodia.
This is why we do it.
And this is why I will never stop.
Would you like to be part of this? Leave a comment below.
