Third-year Khmer literature student Chhem Sreykea is pursuing her passion for sharing the joy of reading with a series of “Reading Tours”, a non-profit initiative which promotes reading by bringing textbooks, children's books and self improvement publications to different provincial areas. She has even established seven volunteer-run libraries across the Kingdom.

She began her tours in July 2024, travelling the Kingdom by motorbike at her own expense.

“I started promoting reading because I have noticed how in public places, young people tend to be engrossed in their phones – some couples even engaging in immoral activities. Public book fairs are beneficial, as they attract numerous young people, and parents and guardians who bring their children to read books. It is truly beneficial,” the third year student told The Post.

Sreykea selected Pursat province as the first destination and was both surprised and delighted by the number of people who attended.

“I held my first reading tour event in Koh Sampov Meas Park, in Pursat Province. There was considerable public interest, with in excess of 100 readers attending. I was very happy to witness this. Many of them enquired about purchasing books, but I did not sell them; I presented them as gifts,” she explained.

“Subsequently, I travelled to my second province, Kep, where there were more than 30 readers,” she added.

Her tour has so far visited 12 locations and she is preparing to travel to the northeastern province of Ratanakiri in the near future. 

Sreykea shared that organising the events did not present any major challenges, as her accommodation and meals were provided by people who wanted to support her activities.

People enjoy a ‘Reading Garden’ activity in front of Siem Reap province’s Wat Bo. Chhem Sreykea

To date, she has visited Pailin, Pursat, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Takeo, Kandal, Prey Veng, Kampong Cham, Tbong Khmum, Svay Rieng, Kep and Kampot provinces. 

“At the end of February, I plan to visit the northeast of the country, including Kratie, Stung Treng, Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri and Preah Vihear. I am currently fundraising for this trip,” she added.

Sreykea carefully selects a wide range of works to share, noting that different genres offer different benefits to the reader.

“Young people already read emotional books; they should also read historical books as many young people are currently experiencing significant levels of depression. If their minds are not engaged, they cannot discover anything new, anything that can benefit their mental well-being,” she suggested.

In 2020, while still attending high school in Pailin province, her passion for reading led her to create a “Reading Garden”.

However, there was limited interest. In 2022, she brought the concept of the reading garden to this bustling capital city and received substantial support.

When she initially commenced the reading gardens in Phnom Penh, many people joined her. However, concerns that her activities may disturb public order led to the authorities asking her to explain her actions and apply for permission.

A proud Chhem Sreykea poses for a photograph at the 7th branch of her mobile library network. Chhem Sreykea

“The first time, the authorities forbade it. I did not protest; I simply complied. When they demanded that I obtain permission, I was apprehensive. However, I posted a video about what I was doing and explained that I undertook it voluntarily, with love, with the intention of sharing reading and for students who lack the financial means to access books,” she explained.

“Subsequently, when I resumed the reading garden, there were no further issues, and a significant level of support,” she added.

Not only did she receive support from the public and her fellow students, her activities were also commended by Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, who encouraged her to take the concept further.

Building upon the overwhelming support in Phnom Penh, she has now established seven mobile libraries: Two in Siem Reap province and one each in Kampong Cham, Battambang, Kandal, Svay Rieng and Pursat, with 10 volunteer librarians running operations.

She explained how the libraries are funded.

“The majority of the budget for the libraries comes from my own pocket. If I encounter a shortfall, I raise funds from the public, typically between $50 and $100. I only raise a limited amount,” she told The Post.

Sreykea considers reading to be of paramount importance as it develops knowledge and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to extract positive insights from authors and apply them to one’s own life. 

She believes the Kingdom can only progress if it possesses the kind of well-educated human resource base that engagement with books will produce, and with plans to expand, Sreykea is putting her money where her mouth is.