During the weekly library class at the Stellar Center, during her visit to Cambodia, Judith, a volunteer from DARA Europe, started a conversation with two students about reading. These students are in Stellar’s English class, so it immediately became a fun exercise to talk in English themselves, which they were already doing very well. Their answers were honest, enthusiastic and, above all, inspiring. Also their teacher, Kuntheak shared her experiences. Together, their stories show how books bring not only knowledge, but also fun, self-confidence and personal growth.
Thavin (12) – reading to learn AND laugh
Thavin is 12 years old and has been involved with Stellar since he was five years old. After starting in kindergarten at Stellar, he moved on to the local elementary school at Kork Rokar. In addition to his regular elementary school classes, he attends Stellar for additional education and homework help to enhance his learning. Meanwhile, he is in class E1B for his English classes. When he talks about reading, it immediately becomes clear how much he enjoys it.
Why do you like reading?
”I love reading, it gives me new knowledge.” says Thavin ”For him, reading is a way to learn new things. At the same time, it is also just fun.
”I love funny stories” he adds laughing in English. ”They make me laugh”
Do you have a favorite book?
”My favorite book is about a monkey and a turtle.”
As he says this, a smile appears on his face. It shows how a simple story can really take a child into a world full of humor and adventure.
”I love reading, it gives me new knowledge.”
Meng Heng (11) – reading makes me happy
In the same class is also Meng Heng, age 11. She too enthusiastically tells Judith about her reading experiences.
Why do you like to read?
”Reading makes me happy,” says Meng Heng. Reading makes her feel calm and nice. At home, she also likes to pick up a book. ”I also like to read alone, at home.”
What kind of books do you like to read?
“I like to read storytelling books.” Storytelling books appeal to her the most because they take her to other worlds.
In addition, for her, reading is a way to learn: “It is also educational for me, in addition, I really like to read the Bible.” During library class, she quietly continues reading in her book. “Every week, when I am in the library, I continue reading where I left off.”
The teacher, Kuntheak, speaking
“I notice that their vocabulary has improved since we started weekly library classes,” she says. By reading regularly, students are constantly encountering new words and learning to understand them better. During class, Kuntheak walks around to guide the children. When a student doesn’t understand a word, she gives immediate feedback. Many students read aloud, which creates an additional learning opportunity.
“If their pronunciation is not quite right, I can correct them immediately.” In this way, students not only learn new words, but also how to pronounce them correctly. Step by step, their language skills, self-confidence and enjoyment of reading grow.
Growing Together Through Reading
The conversation with these students and their teacher reveals something beautiful, warm and hopeful. Reading brings joy, peace and knowledge together and creates space for growth and imagination.
The weekly library class at Stellar gives children time and space to explore stories, learn new words and grow their confidence. In addition, they experience how reading can inspire and connect them.
Thus, the library becomes not just a place with books, but a place where curiosity, language and personal development come together and where children grow, learn and dream together.
