Siem Reap
The Village Library in Svay Chey, Siem Reap, is a heartwarming initiative aimed at supporting children's education, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. This project was spearheaded by Soth Bopha, a dedicated local woman who recognized the urgent need for educational resources in her community when schools were closed.
The library began in Arak Svay village, Nokor Thom commune, and quickly became a beacon of hope for many children. Bopha, who had previously run mobile village libraries, collaborated with another villager to transform a house into a library. This space provided children with a place to read and study, offering a much-needed alternative to online learning, which was inaccessible to many due to the lack of internet connectivity and smart devices.
The library's slogan, "Read, Think and Practice at No Charge," reflects its mission to provide free educational resources. Initially, the library housed 574 books, including fairy tales, school manuals, novels, and other donated materials. The library also served as a community hub where villagers could access books on agriculture and other practical topics, aiming to improve their farming techniques and overall knowledge.
As the project gained momentum, it expanded to five locations across Siem Reap Province, each hosting between 200 and 400 books. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, such as the need for social distancing and the suspension of English classes, the libraries continued to operate, albeit with limited capacity.
Bopha's vision extends beyond just providing books. She aims to establish a digital library equipped with Wi-Fi and other essential tools to facilitate learning for both children and adults. This ambitious plan includes raising funds to cover operational costs and purchase new books. Bopha has launched a "100 people fundraiser" campaign, encouraging donations to sustain the libraries and enhance their offerings.
The Village Library project not only addresses the immediate educational needs of children but also strives to instill a love for learning among the poorest families. By providing free access to books and learning materials, Bopha hopes to make a lasting impact on her community, ensuring that education remains a priority even in the face of adversity
Village Library Project Aims to Provide Free Reading for Children amid.
The Village Library is located in the peaceful Arak Svay village, Nokor Thom commune, in the Siem Reap province of Cambodia. This humble yet impactful initiative began in a small house in the village, offering a safe space for children to learn, read, and grow. As the project expanded, additional branches were opened in surrounding areas, providing more access to educational resources for children and adults alike.
The Village Library operates on a “Read, Think, and Practice at No Charge” basis, offering free access to all its books and educational materials. The goal is to provide children and adults in the community with resources that they might not otherwise be able to afford, especially in rural areas where education and technology are often limited. Donations from local and international supporters help sustain the library’s operations.
The library operates daily, offering flexible hours to accommodate the schedules of children and adults in the village. While specific hours may vary depending on local conditions and volunteer availability, the library typically opens in the morning and remains open throughout the afternoon, allowing plenty of time for visitors to use its resources.
The Village Library is located in Arak Svay village, which is approximately 30-40 minutes by car or tuk-tuk from the Siem Reap city center. It can be easily reached via local roads, and many drivers in the area are familiar with the location. Visitors are encouraged to use a tuk-tuk or motorbike, both of which are affordable and convenient modes of transportation to reach the village.
Written by Siem Reap Wonder Team
