Sipar, a French NGO aiming to reduce Cambodia’s illiteracy rate, has announced setting up of sixteen new Library Learning Centres to educate illiterate garment workers.
These centres will be developed in sixteen factories located in Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Takeo, and Pursat Provinces of the country. Part of a three-year project, these learning centers will add to the existing garment factories helping in developing the social and economic well-being of garment workers.
“This project aims to increase opportunities for self-learning and access to the documents, information, and training on soft skills for garment workers,” said the French NGO. The centers will provide easy access to books, novels, digital and audiovisual tools and training sessions on key topics such as health, hygiene, money saving, HIV/Aids, baby care, cancer and nutrition.
According to Puth Sovann, President of Trade Union Federation for Workers, although the Cambodia garment manufacturing has developed, but the literacy level of garment workers is still the same. Appreciating the move, he said, “With the help of these centres, workers can get some understanding of living in safety in areas such as health and traffic.”
Sipar started the project worth US $ 750,000 in 2013 with first library set up in Phnom Penh Province. At present, more than 20,000 garment workers based in Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kampong Speu, Siem Reap and Kampong Chhnang Provinces are improving their knowledge.
The project is funded by French Development Agency, Weave Our Future Foundation, new factories and other donors. The Ministry of Education has also extended its support to the project by announcing the expansion if centers to more than 12 provinces by 2020.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
