Students are studying at Dong Plet primary school in Preah Vihear province. Hong Menea
The Ministry of Cults and Religions has instructed all of its municipal and provincial departments to help inspire the community’s spirit of participation in promoting literacy programmes and to guide all pagodas, Vipassana centres, organisations and associations to decorate their locations with flags symbolising the Nation, Religion and King as well as banners with slogans to celebrate National Literacy Day on September 8.
In its instructions, seen by The Post on August 30, the ministry said literacy is the “foundation of lifelong learning”. And in celebration of the event, it reminded officials that the implementation of the government’s Covid-19 guidelines must be respected when hosting gatherings, though it would be up to their discretion to organise the event according to the actual situation for each place.
Kun Sambath Moniroth, director of the Battambang provincial cult and religions department, said on August 30 that the province was not preparing a big ceremony for this year’s event, but they would disseminate this directive to all pagodas.
He said illiteracy in Cambodia, among both monks and laypeople, is no longer an issue as it was in the past.
He said people have better living standards now and send all of their children to schools.
Novice monks have also gone through their studies growing up by attending kindergarten, primary schools and beyond. More and more of them are pursuing higher education and graduating, he said.
“Nowadays, there are colleges in the provinces. In Battambang there are Buddhist colleges and three secondary schools, in Thma Koul and Moung Russey districts, so it is very convenient for monks,” he said.
Ros Soveacha, spokesman for the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, said on August 30 that the boosting of the adult literacy rate reflects the government’s strong efforts to reduce illiteracy.
“According to the Socio-Economic Survey 2019-2020, the adult literacy rate from the age of 15 to 87 is 87.8 per cent. This goes to show that the government’s efforts to reduce illiteracy through initiatives like National Literacy Day are the driving forces behind this success,” he said.
He added that the ministry would celebrate the day under the theme “Literacy as a bridge to careers and further education” at Meanchey garden provincial forum in Banteay Meanchey province.
National Literacy Day is celebrated every year to raise awareness about the importance of literacy and non-formal education programmes to enhance the ability of all citizens in getting professional skills and pursue their studies.
The National Committee for Organising National and International Festivals has introduced 36 slogans for the relevant units to disseminate this year. Among them are Literacy is the Light of Happiness; Literacy contributes to poverty reduction; Literacy prevents child labour; Literacy reduces drug use; and Literacy is a means of eliminating violence.
