Project 8818

‘I am so very happy … Now I can share my knowledge and help teach other children about Bunong literacy so that they can read the Bible and sing songs to worship God like I do.’  Mhat, Koh Nhek District

Most people in the Bunong communities in Mondilkiri, Cambodia, cannot read or write, even in their own language. This means their language is in danger of dying out, their cultural heritage could be lost, they have difficulty interacting with government authorities, vital health information is missed, they struggle commercially, and those who are Christians are unable to read Scripture and worship songs.

The Northeast Community Education and Development Organization (NCED) is committed to helping Bunong communities with this need, with funding help through Wycliffe Australia and Entrust Foundation. NCED runs literacy programs through 12 Bunong churches with participants of all ages – children, youth, adults and elderly people.

As a result of this funding partnership, Bunong teachers are being trained and equipped, and their capacity to teach others is being strengthened. Literacy materials such as hymn books, early reading books and Bible story books are being printed and distributed to individuals who attend the classes, and also for use in mobile libraries. Solar lighting systems have been installed in churches that hold literacy classes to facilitate evening meetings, and leaders are trained in using and maintaining these systems.

Mhat was a grade 9 student using the National language in school, but she was sad that she didn’t know how to read and write in her own Bunong language.

After attending literacy classes at her church, Mhat says, ‘I am so very happy because at this time I can already read and write my own language. … Now I can share my knowledge and help teach other children about Bunong literacy so that they can read the Bible and sing songs to worship God like I do.’