The digital audio player used in class. Students listen while referring to Bible-based textbooks.

The programme began in 2003, to help Cambodia on its recovery from long years of conflict. During the Khmer Rouge’s four years of tyranny (1975-79), two million Cambodians lost their lives through political execution, starvation and forced labour. Much of the nation’s infrastructure was destroyed and education was severely affected. Schools were shut down as the regime believed in a “return to the earth and roots of Cambodia”—meaning farming, not education. 

After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, schools slowly started to open again. But the education system is still suffering from a lack of funds and qualified teaching staff. Teachers are underpaid, and in rural areas some have two jobs and can only teach for a few hours each day.

Today, illiteracy is widespread in Cambodia, reaching up to 60% in remote villages.

Bible Society works with churches, encouraging members to learn how to read and write. The aim is to improve their prospects, as well as to help them read the Bible for themselves. Local churches organise classes of 10 students, with a trained facilitator for each class. The facilitator is given a digital audio player with lessons, and students listen as well as follow along on their Scripture-based textbooks. Bible verses are integrated into each lesson, helping students to know and remember the Scriptures. Non-Christians who choose to attend class are also introduced to the gospel message in an unforced way.

People are very keen to learn, and about 95% of students complete the course. Seeing its worth, many choose to become facilitators themselves and to help others. Farmer Soun Te is one of them. “This book (the Bible) is very precious for us to share with our neighbours, especially those who don’t know how to read. Many people in this village, and those around, want to join the literacy classes. Around 30 people in my village are now Christians. They have literacy textbooks and they learn about the Bible; I’m overjoyed.”

Bible Society Cambodia hopes to offer literacy training to more people in 2015. They are working now to run another 300 beginners classes, and are aiming for a further 300 at a higher level, reaching 6,000 new students.

Former Khmer Rouge soldier Ie Khan is another facilitator helping others to read. “I can see that this programme Learning through Listening is a great tool. It enables people not only to read, but also to understand the Bible.” 

Thank you for your support helping thousands of Cambodians to improve their life prospects and increase their knowledge of God’s word. To donate, please call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537) or click the link below to donate today. 

Donations to this literacy project are tax-deductible.