Schools libraries
Sipar launched the school library program in 1993, in partnership with Cambodia's Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. It has three components: setting up a library network, reinforcing school library standards and training librarians. School libraries are complementary and essential resources for educational programs, reinforcing pupils' learning and developing their curiosity and creativity.
Since then, the program has grown, culminating in its institutionalization at national level. It contributes to supporting the implementation of the national school library policy in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools. Since 1993, Sipar has put books into the hands of over 200,000 Cambodian pupils.
With this collaboration, Sipar continues its action in the field of education:
Establishment of libraries, training and follow-up in primary schools
Since 1992, over 300 libraries have been set up and hundreds of teachers trained in library management.
Sipar continues to support the libraries by providing technical support and regularly renewing the stock of books.
Building schools in remote areas
Since 1996, thanks to loyal donors, Sipar has built 39 school buildings.
We always respond to a request from local education authorities.
Reading and training corners in community kindergartens
To make up for the lack of educational material in nursery schools, Sipar sets up reading corners and provides technical support to teachers.
Early childhood is gradually becoming a priority area of education in Cambodia, but there is still a long way to go.
Strengthening school library standards and training
Sipar continues its joint work with NGOs Room To Read and SVA in support of the Ministry in implementing and disseminating School Library Standards throughout Cambodia.
These standards enable elementary school principals and parent-teacher committees to refer to common criteria when setting up and running a library in their school.
Collaboration with teacher training centers
From 2005 to 2010, with the support of the European Union, Sipar helped create a training curriculum on the management of libraries and children's books.
Today, this curriculum enables future librarians to lead reading activities and encourage children to use the library.
Orientation corners in high school libraries
Following the success of a pilot project in 2019, Sipar has launched in October 2021 a program dedicated to career guidance for young people.
Sipar has equipped 16 high schools with libraries, career guidance corners and a mobile computer lab (NomadLab) developed by project partner NGO Passerelles Numériques Cambodia.
48
micro libraries installed in public schools
44
primary schools constructed with a computerized library
318
libraries in primary schools