Launched in 2000, the mobile library program now consists of 10 vehicles (6 vans, 2 boats, and 2 tuk-tuks). They travel to about 100 different locations along the roads and waterways of seven provinces in Cambodia and Phnom Penh to bring books to underserved communities. The lack of infrastructure, such as public libraries, deprives communities in urban suburbs and rural areas of access to books.
Typical session schedule
- Breaking the ice games
- Storytelling
- Educational games / academic support
- Free reading
- Borrowing books
Beyond the book, raising awareness
As part of our awareness-raising efforts, our librarian-educators have been trained in various social issues and regularly discuss these specific topics with children.
Environment
Raise awareness among beneficiaries about specific issues affecting the environment and the preservation of global biodiversity.
STEAM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics): to discover the world of science through adapted educational material.
Health, nutrition
contribute to improving the health, hygiene and nutrition of children and adults for optimal development
Road safety
Raise awareness about traffic laws, helmet use, and road safety.
In addition to these themes, our teams have integrated awareness-raising sessions on social issues adapted to each environment and audience: health, hygiene, disability, gender equality, family planning, money management, domestic violence...
The aim is to fundamentally change behaviour and encourage Cambodians to become ambassadors for these issues themselves to their families and local communities.
Every week, I always wait for Sipar's mobile library to arrive in my village so that I can return books and borrow new ones. I have two siblings at home. Whenever I bring new books home, they always read them. Among all the activities of the mobile library, I prefer free reading.
HENG Sreyneath
Sustainability at the heart of our actions
Sipar sets up micro-libraries in villages, where our mobile libraries have been operating for several years, in close collaboration with volunteers from local communities.
74 micro-libraries with a total of over 30,000 books have been set up and are managed by volunteers. Thanks to autonomous micro-libraries, our mobile libraries reduce the number of trips to new villages.
6
vans
2
tuk-tuks
2
boats
126
sites served
75
micro-libraries in rural villages
12 700
beneficiaries