PHNOM PENH: World Vision will organize a "Read Aloud" program to support the celebration of National Reading Day, promote children's reading culture, and raise funds to buy books and build libraries in target schools located in Choam Ksan, Rovieng, and Cheb districts, in Preah Vihear province.

According to a press release issued by the organization, the reading event will be held on 26 March 2022 at ODOM Garden in Phnom Penh from 9 AM to 5PM.

Education Program Technical Team Leader, Va Surin, says investing in reading, especially for children, is important. "Books are one of the most important repositories of knowledge for students to study, research and explore about culture and other science subjects,” he said. “Students' abilities are still heavily dependent on reading and viewing books on their own in their spare time. Research has shown that reading books regularly improves memory, makes you feel less stressed and more focused at work than those who do not read regularly."

World Vision's local budget manager, Heam Chetra, said that through reading events, the public can participate in promoting a culture of reading in Cambodia. She said she wants to see all parents start training young children to be able to read better and cultivate their knowledge and reach their full potential, which will also help the development of the nation in the future as these children are the next generation of leaders and human resources.

"Everyone can contribute to improving children's reading skills. You can start developing reading skills for young children around you or join World Vision’s reading programs by donating money or books to help children in need in areas where the organization works,” she said.

She further added, "We hope that the money and materials we raise from this program will help rural children have access to books and develop their reading skills.”

You can donate a book or US $3 to World Vision through ABA: 000 880 848.