Opening up access to culture for young Cambodians

In recent months, the "Le Petit Prince" bookmobile has expanded its mission to address an exceptional situation in Siem Reap province. While nearly 620,000 displaced Cambodians have already been able to return home, more than 28,900 people remain far from home, including nearly 9,740 children. For many, school came to a sudden halt. Books, classrooms, and daily routines have given way to uncertainty. Faced with this reality, the Bookmobile has adapted its activities to maintain access to learning and reading by going directly into the displacement camps. Storytelling, guided reading, puppet shows, Kamishibai theater, creative workshops, and educational activities allow children to escape, learn, and rediscover moments of carefree joy. Because education cannot wait, Sipar also offers tutoring sessions in Khmer and mathematics to help children continue their learning despite the interruption of their schooling. Through science experiments, STEAM activities, creative workshops, and programs focused on health, hygiene, and nutrition, children rediscover the joy of learning, exploring, and marveling at the world around them. To date, thanks to your support, more than 800 displaced children have already participated in these activities. Beyond reading and academic support, these activities offer them opportunities to laugh, play, discover, and—for the duration of a story or an activity—forget the difficulties of daily life.