DC-Cam’s distribution reaches disadvantaged

THE Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam) on Thursday handed out Khmer Rouge history textbooks to 100 disadvantaged students at the Buddhism Education for Peace centre at Wat Ounalum in Phnom Penh as part of its nationwide distribution of the text.

"My students are too poor to afford the book. So I requested the Documentation Centre to donate the books in order for them to know about Khmer Rouge history," said Pou Sovachana, an adviser and volunteer teacher at the centre.

"I am happy to know that they have the book in their hands," he said.

The textbook is the first to be given out to individual students at schools and will be introduced into the school curriculum following distribution of a teachers' guide on how best to engage students on the subject.

"I have never read a Khmer Rouge history book, but I used to hear the older people talk about this. Now I have this book in my hand, so I will read it to know more clearly about Khmer Rouge history," said Luch Bunchhoeun, a student at the centre.

The centre will continue its distribution this week, travelling to Kandal, Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap and Kampong Thom provinces to hand out 60,000 books, DC-Cam Director Youk Chhang said Monday.