The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) launched the third grade early reading package under the Komar Rien Komar Cheh (children learn, children know) program to equip third graders with foundational skills in their learning journey.

According to the USAID, the grade three reading package and teaching incorporates age-appropriate reading materials and a practical guide for teachers. The package, aligned with the national curriculum, is a collaboration between the ministry and the USAID-funded Inclusive Primary Education Activity (IPEA). It builds on successful methods developed for grades one and two with the support of USAID which started in 2017.

Minister Hang Chuon Naron said the Khmer Grade 3 Early Reading Package under the Komar Rien Komar Cheh program marks a significant milestone for early education in Cambodia.

“[All schools] should implement [reading programs] nationwide. It is an approach that I consider to be an educational revolution because this method is very good,” said Naron.

Following the implementation of the third grade reading package in primary schools in Kampong Chhnang, he shared that there was a doubling of students’ reading comprehension, which showed “our commitment to promoting achievement​ of education throughout Cambodia”.

However, Naron pointed out that there were challenges as some schools needed a standard library, adequate books for students and reading methods for students to read in school and at home. 

“It is important for teachers to apply and make sure that students have enough books and a standard library.”

In 2023, USAID through the IPEA trained 3,000 teachers in improved reading instruction, benefiting approximately 90,000 students in grades one to three. Building on these achievements, USAID continued to support MoEYS in expanding the early reading program and strengthening school governance nationwide.

USAID mission director Kerry Pelzman explained that the official endorsement of the Khmer Grade 3 Early Reading Package is a testament to the collaborative efforts between USAID’s IPEA project and the Ministry of Education to promote and build the fundamentals of early reading  in Cambodia.

“This milestone underscores our commitment to enhancing early grade education in Cambodia and equipping third graders with the essential skills for academic success,” said Pelzman.

According to recent findings by a USAID-supported mid-term early grade reading assessment, there was significant progress in just one year among third graders who adopted the program compared to their peers in schools which did not have the program.

The average reading speed of third graders rose from 32 to 50 words per minute, while comprehension scores of those completing the assessment nearly doubled to 57 percent from 32 percent.

Students’ academic results as per the 2015 evaluation report showed that they were still not up to government’s expectations. Thus, the new reading package will be prepared with a guidebook for teachers, and short stories for students. This will support teachers while helping students understand better, Naron said on his social media post.

Leng Srey Oun, a second grade teacher in Poipet city, told CamboJA News that she would be happy if the reading program was available in her school because it will boost reading fundamentals of young children. But she hoped that teachers will receive training as they are different from the teaching methods for grade one and two. She also hoped that libraries will be stocked with books for students.

“I think this program is good because it will help third grade students read more clearly and be able to do self-reading in school or at home,” said Srey Oun.

Phnom Penh resident, Keo Somaly, 38, supported the learning package, saying that it was a good program to encourage children to read and write in Khmer. 

“[Although] I’m not sure about this [particular] reading project, in the past the school provided books to first and second grade students which helped my children improve their reading skills at home. So, I think this [program] is good,” she said.

Somaly, who is concerned about her son in third grade, said he does not pay much attention in class, so the reading program might entice him to read more. However, she observed that it might be a little hard for teachers to control a class of 50 or 60 students. This is the problem why students might not be close with their teachers and do not improve in their studies, she said.

Ouk Chhayavy, president of Cambodia Independent Teachers’ Association (CITA), hoped that the program would enhance children’s reading and writing ability in the early grades. She added that the ministry must pay more attention to primary school teachers because they ensure the foundation of children’s literacy.

Meanwhile, she remarked that teachers in Cambodia worked hard, therefore they should be compensated with higher salaries. “Education must be a priority for a country. If education declines, there is no progress, and if education is good, the justice system will be better and people will be better educated,“ Chhayavy told CamboJA News. 

She also shared her concerns regarding teachers in rural areas having a large number of students, between 40 and 50 of them per class, hindering teachers’ ability to provide individual attention to students. This could impact the quality of education, she added.