National Reading Day at Chea Sim Tbeng MeanChey High School
Cambodia has made March 11 its National Reading Day following a sub-decree issued in September 2015. The date is set to be in line with Master Choun Nath’s, the Khmer literature master, birthday. In 2016, Cambodia has celebrated its first National Reading Day and ever since continued to hold the tradition, most generally in Phnom Penh city. One of the national aims is to remind people of the masterpiece and work of literature of Master Choun Nath; another is to raise awareness of the importance of reading and promote reading habit among students, government workers and the public at large.
To take part in the larger celebration of the National Reading Day, on March 10 2019, ODC had joint effort with Chea Sim Tbeng MeanChey high school for the first time to celebrate National Reading Day in Preah Vihear Province, where a high-school-level reading competition took place. With the event, ODC aims to promote reading culture not just in the city but also in remote or provincial areas where the access to reading and reading materials is scarcely available.
This National Reading Day was attended by 92 participants in total (58 females). Seven members from Chea Sim Tbeng Mean Chey high school, one member of Preah Vihear provincial department of Education, Youth and Sports, and 84 students (56 females). Nine students of which three from grades seven, eight and nine involved in the reading competition. Three students from each grade were eventually selected for the number one awards and six others were awarded prizes of encouragement. Students who attended the competition were given some reading books which encourage to read more and share with other students in their class.
The activities have given students new opportunity and experience in enhancing their reading and potentially discovering their interest in reading. Punleou Neangpunary, student of grade 8A, one of the number one awardees, said she and other students have gained new experience in participating in this reading event and have been informed of the benefits of reading. Likewise, Ean Sanlyfystar, student of grand 9D, another number one awardee of the reading competition, encouraged everyone to read. He said reading can result in a better future, more knowledge and less stress.
With such great results and enthusiasm, ODC will continue our work to encourage reading through various means including hard-copy and digital materials, and, if possible, we will continue to bring such event to other provinces in Cambodia.
This video highlights the full day event:
