The One Book, One Community (OBOC) Campaign has announced the launch of a 25-day, 25-province mission

The campaign, entitled "25 Days, 25 Provinces, and Cities to Promote Reading in the Community," started saturday and will run till August 10th to September 10th, 2024.

The 25-day mission will be divided into five different routes, with the objective of distributing 25,000 books to communities. Additionally, regional reading competitions will be held, culminating in a championship event in Phnom Penh. This information was revealed in a press release by the One Book, One Community Campaign.

It is anticipated that approximately 2,500 individuals will participate in the mission, including young writers, entrepreneurs, and partners, who will collectively traverse a distance of 3,000 kilometers across the country.

The initial route will encompass the northwest region, including the provinces of Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Pailin, Battambang, and Banteay Meanchey. The second route will proceed in a northerly direction, traversing Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, and Oddar Meanchey. The third route will proceed in a southeastern direction, encompassing Kandal, Kampong Cham, Thbong Khmum, Prey Veng, and Svay Rieng. The fourth route will proceed in a southwesterly direction, traversing Kampong Speu, Kampot, Sihanoukville, Koh Kong, Kep, and Takeo. The fifth route will continue in an northeast direction, passing through Kratie, Stung Treng, Rattanakiri, and Mondulkiri provinces.

Ms. Heang Vattey, the co-founder of the One Book, One Community Campaign, posits that this mission will facilitate the promotion of a culture of community reading and fortify the human resources of Cambodian society.

"It is my hope and expectation that, upon the conclusion of these initiatives aimed at promoting reading and reinforcing our cherished cultural heritage, communities will be inspired to organise their own reading events. "In particular, it is my hope that young people will develop an affinity for Khmer literature and culture," she stated.

The One Book, One Community Campaign is an initiative that encourages reading and independent learning through the implementation of five programmes, the first of which is: In Phnom Penh, the campaign has initiated reading competitions and championships, as well as book distribution programmes. The fourth programme is the provision of mobile library apps. Library development programmes and The programme also includes knowledge-sharing workshops.

Mr. Chea Tong Hour, a young entrepreneur and author of several books, stated that his motivation for joining the One Book, One Community Campaign was to provide support for community reading initiatives and to encourage young people to engage with literature.

“My objective is to motivate authors to produce books of intrinsic value for the Cambodian population. Furthermore, it is my intention to promote and encourage individuals to engage with literature as a means of facilitating personal and societal growth. The acquisition of knowledge through reading enables educated individuals to enhance their understanding, which in turn benefits them, their families, and their nation,” he said.

Mr. Hok Sothik, President of the Library Association of Cambodia and Director of Sipar, asserted that the One Book, One Community initiative exemplifies the efforts of the younger generation to disseminate literature in rural regions. He underscored the challenge of ensuring equitable access to books in Cambodia, emphasizing the significance of initiatives that facilitate the delivery of reading materials to communities in remote areas.