Grade 3 students sing along with their teacher, expressing lyrics related to their Khmer subject. They enjoy the innovative teaching methods, which make learning more fun and memorable. Through singing and dancing, the lessons they learn become more engaging and stick with them throughout their school days.
In Cambodia, the future is being shaped in classrooms where young children like Chhin Chhay and Seavjinh Len are discovering the power of education. Thanks to Komar Rien Komar Cheh, Cambodia’s national Early Grade Reading program supported by USAID’s Inclusive Primary Education Activity (IPEA), the seeds of knowledge planted today will grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
In Takeo, Prey Veng, Svay Rieng and Kampong Chhnang provinces, where the program has recently expanded, students are not only improving their reading skills but also dreaming of a brighter future—one in which they can inspire others and make a difference in their communities.
A Journey Fueled by Learning
For Chhin Chhay, an eight-year-old boy from a small village in Kampong Chhnang, school is more than just a place to learn—it’s a path to fulfilling his dreams. Every morning, Chhay spends 30 minutes riding on his bike from his home to school, eager to dive into his favorite subject, Khmer. “I like Khmer because reading is interesting,” Chhay says. “I learn new things from the books.”
Chhay and his classmate Seavjinh share their dreams during the interview. 'I want to be a primary school teacher to help children learn to read and write,' Chhay says with a smile.
When he’s not helping his parents, who sell clothes to support their family, Chhay can often be found with a book in hand. He brings home storybooks from the school library, immersing himself in the tales they tell. His love for reading is shaping his ambition to one day become a teacher. “I want to be a primary school teacher so I can help children learn to read and write,” Chhay shares with a smile. “I want us all to get first place together and grow up to help make Cambodia a better place.”
Chhay’s dedication to his studies and his dream of shaping the next generation is a testament to the power of the USAID-supported Early Grade Reading program in Cambodia. The program doesn’t just teach students how to read and write—it nurtures their dreams and gives them the tools to achieve them.
A Classroom Filled with Joy
In Kampong Chhnang province, 8-year-old Seavjinh Len also finds joy in learning, particularly when it comes to reading Khmer. “It’s the easiest subject for me,” she says with a giggle. Seavjinh, like Chhay, enjoys borrowing books from her school library, especially a storybook called Let’s Dance, which she reads during her break times.
But what Seavjinh loves most about school is her teacher’s innovative approach to learning. “My teacher is fabulous. It feels like we are playing as we’re studying,” Seavjinh explains. “We sing songs, play games, craft, and color things. These activities make reading and learning so much fun.”
Seavjinh dreams of becoming a doctor one day—a goal fueled by her desire to help her family and community. “I want to cure my family and save lives,” she says earnestly. Her dream career also promises financial stability, something Seavjinh believes will help her support her loved ones.
Sievjinh smiles brightly at the camera as she shares her dream of becoming a doctor, driven by her desire to help her family and community. 'I want to cure my family and save lives,' she says earnestly.
Beyond the Classroom: The Broader Impact
These personal stories of Chhin Chhay and Seavjinh Len reflect a much larger picture—the profound and lasting impact of the national Early Grade Reading program. Supported by USAID’s Inclusive Primary Education Activity (IPEA), this initiative is bringing significant improvements in early grade reading across Cambodia.
In just one year, the program’s reach has been transformative. In schools implementing the program with USAID support, students' reading proficiency has soared—Grade 3 students’ reading speeds jumped from 32 to 50 words per minute, while comprehension rates almost doubled, from 32 percent to 57 percent, far outperforming students in other schools that had not yet implemented the program. These achievements are not just statistics; they represent real opportunities for children like Chhay and Seavjinh to realize their dreams.
As H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, the Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport, points out, ‘The doubling of students’ reading comprehension shows our commitment to boosting educational achievement across Cambodia.”
H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron and USAID Mission Director Kerry Pelzman walk into a Grade 3 classroom, impressed by the students’ rapid progress in reading as part of the nationwide reading program scale-up.
Empowering Teachers, Empowering Students
Teachers are at the heart of the educational transformation, and USAID’s IPEA program places a strong emphasis on teacher training and development. By equipping 16,000 teachers with innovative teaching methods and specialized reading materials, the program ensures that educators can effectively engage students in inclusive, enjoyable learning experiences—just as Seavjinh described.
This approach has already made a lasting impact on more than 850,000 students across 22 of Cambodia’s 25 provinces. Through partnerships with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and other donors, the program has reached roughly 80 percent of Cambodia’s public primary schools, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom walls.
Grade 2 students at Chres Primary School in Kampong Chhnang province enjoy reading and dancing as part of the school's creative teaching methods, making learning both fun and engaging.
Building a More Inclusive Future
A cornerstone of USAID’s IPEA program is its dedication to inclusive education, ensuring that all children, including those with disabilities, have access to quality learning. Teachers are trained in the application of inclusive teaching tools and approaches such as the Universal Design of Learning (UDL) videos, and in the use of adaptive learning materials, such as Khmer Sign Language, to support children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
In the classrooms of Takeo, Preveng, Svay Rieng and Kampong Chhnang, this inclusive approach is evident. Every child, regardless of their background or abilities, is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream.
Grade 3 students at Chres Primary School in Kampong Chhnang province enjoy reading and dancing as part of the school's creative teaching methods, making learning both fun and engaging.
Looking Ahead: A Brighter Tomorrow
As the National Early Grade Reading program continues to expand, the benefits will be felt for generations to come. For Chhay, Seavjinh, and countless other students across Cambodia, the program is more than just an educational initiative—it is a lifeline to a better future.
With continued support from USAID and its partners, the program is laying the groundwork for a more equitable and inclusive Cambodia, where every child has the chance to succeed. As Chhay dreams of becoming a teacher and Seavjinh hopes to one day save lives as a doctor, their stories remind us of the power of education to transform lives and uplift communities.
In the words of USAID Mission Director Kerry Pelzman, “This commitment holds so much promise for literacy in Cambodia. We look forward to learning together.”
USAID Mission Director Kerry Pelzman and USAID colleagues enjoy the Komar Rean Komar Ches presentation, highlighting their achievements and enthusiasm for the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport's adoption of the reading scale-up program.
About the Author
Youra Soeum is a Development Outreach and Communication Assistant, USAID Cambodia.
