The Asia Foundation Signs MOU to Enhance School Libraries with Cambodia’s Government
Phnom Penh, October 26, 2018 — Today, The Asia Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), and Kampuchean Action for Primary Education (KAPE) to implement the Books for Cambodia program. Over the next five years, the program will distribute high-quality English storybooks and educational resource books to 1,000 under-resourced schools across all 25 provinces of Cambodia.
The Books for Cambodia program is expected to reach 300,000 students and teachers across the country. One-quarter to half a million books will be distributed to lower secondary schools designated by the MoEYS.
“[Through this Books for Cambodia program,] support to these school libraries will encourage [students] to read and learn English.” says Minister of Education Hang Chuon Naron. “In Cambodia, students start learning English in fourth grade. This will help them increase their skills.”
With a long-term goal of improving access to information, this collaboration with The Asia Foundation and KAPE is part of a concerted effort by the Ministry to strengthen its curriculum development and improve the reading culture in Cambodia.
Since 1954, The Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia program has donated print books to thousands of under-resourced educational institutions in 21 Asian countries. While print remains the most effective means of delivering information in many parts of the developing world, mobile technology’s increasing affordability suggests e-books hold the promise of becoming a cost-effective, scalable model.
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives across a dynamic and developing Asia. Informed by six decades of experience and deep local expertise, our work across the region addresses five overarching goals—strengthen governance, empower women, expand economic opportunity, increase environmental resilience, and promote regional cooperation.
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