Across Cambodia, education has made important progress over the past two decades—but serious challenges remain, especially in rural communities. According to UNESCO and national education reports, nearly 20% of Cambodian adults still struggle with basic literacy, and many children in rural areas grow up without access to books beyond school textbooks. In some villages, a community library is the only place where children can read freely, explore new ideas, or imagine a future beyond their surroundings.

This is why the Library Mission Trip to Kandal Province, organized by One Community for Action Tour (O’CAT) and powered by One Book One Community, is not just a trip—it is a response to a real and urgent need.

The Reality on the Ground

In many community libraries:

• Books are outdated, damaged, or too few
• Shelves and reading spaces are limited or poorly organized
• Children often share one book among many
• Libraries lack volunteers to run reading activities or maintain the space

Research shows that children who have access to books at home or in their community are up to three times more likely to develop strong reading skills. Yet thousands of Cambodian children grow up in “book deserts,” where reading materials are rare.

A well-supported library can change that.

How This Mission Trip Creates Real Impact

The 28–29 December 2025 Library Mission Trip focuses on strengthening a community library in Kandal Province through hands-on action:

• 📚 Book donation and organization to improve access and usability
• 🧹 Improving the library environment to make it welcoming and child-friendly
• 👧🧒 Reading and learning activities with children to inspire a love of books
• 🤝 Community engagement that builds long-term ownership and sustainability

Studies from similar community projects show that even small library improvements can increase children’s reading time by 30–50%, leading to better school performance and confidence.

More Than Service: A Meaningful Experience

This mission trip is also a chance for participants to:

• Experience local life in Kandal Province
• Connect with students, families, and educators
• See firsthand how small actions create lasting change
• Become part of a growing movement that believes books can transform communities

Why You Should Join

When you help build a better library, you are not only donating books—you are:

• Giving children access to knowledge
• Supporting lifelong learning
• Strengthening community resilience
• Investing in Cambodia’s future

A library is more than a room with books. It is a safe space to learn, dream, and grow.

Join the Library Mission Trip to Kandal Province and be part of a collective effort to turn pages into possibilities—and communities into centers of hope.