Smart Axiata teams up with Sipar as Official Telco Partner towards increased literacy in Cambodia

The announcement comes while Sipar celebrates its 35th anniversary of working among the underprivileged population in Cambodia with the core values of innovation, transfer of knowledge and development. Based essentially on developing a reading habit and increasing illiteracy in the Kingdom, the association has been working with one unique objective: make books an educational lever, transport them and make them accessible to the most underprivileged.

The partnership launch was presided over by H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports at the National Library with various advocates and partners of both Sipar and Smart in their drive towards supporting the Royal Government of Cambodia’s fight against illiteracy in the country.

H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron said: “I am pleased that Smart continues its commitment into Education and Literacy with Sipar, who is a long-term partner of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport”.

Sipar and Smart’s partnership is an extension of a very successful partnership entered into last year on the Mobile Library project that enabled two mobile vans to be equipped with ICT devices. This initiative provided over 1,000 children daily the enjoyment of reading and utilizing iPads powered by Smart’s mobile Internet. Smart also collaborated with Sipar and related partners for the Library Resource Centers project to install iPads in 18 garment factories, thereby creating increased access to information and reading materials. In addition, a new app has just been developed by Sipar this year to allow workers to test their memory and revise their literacy lessons through those iPads.

Mr. Thomas Hundt, CEO of Smart Axiata, said: “Smart is excited to expand our partnership with Sipar and to play an even a bigger role in enhancing many of Sipar’s main programs. Education is the cornerstone of our CSR agenda. Through Smart’s innovations and ICT capabilities, we hope to achieve tangible positive impact in diverse communities throughout Cambodia together with Sipar.”

Smart going to support six of Sipar’s main initiatives: the School Library Program, Provincial Teacher Training Colleges Program, Mobile Library Program, Playground Libraries in Hospitals, Youth Volunteerism for Community Development and the Factory Library Program. Leading by example, Smart staff will also play a key role as volunteers, assisting the projects and contributing their skills to community development programs.

Mr. Hok Sothik, Director of Sipar, said: “Technology can be a great boost for Sipar to encourage the new generation to read in a fun way. Thanks to this partnership with Smart, all 8 Sipar Mobile libraries will now be equipped with iPads which allow children to read and explore new device technologies. Smart will also provide other ICT devices or pedagogical materials accordingly for the other Sipar programs beneficiaries. So far, 10,000 books have been distributed to teachers-trainees in 19 Teacher Training Colleges of Cambodia, with more coming soon.”

Sipar and Smart’s increased cooperation presents various opportunities for cross-collaboration and sharing of resources between both parties to enhance their efforts of encouraging reading in the country. Besides this exciting partnership, Smart has an existing long-term alliance with UNESCO on ICT-related education programs. It has also increasingly been involved in hackathons with education themes and e-book initiatives like the Let’s Read! by Asia Foundation. Both UNESCO and Asia Foundation are likewise partners of Sipar.

“Building on our existing partnership with Sipar, we are combining both our expertise – frontline mobile telecommunications technology and recognized education capabilities – to make a difference for the Cambodian community. The effect of this partnership will be felt almost right away as the new digital devices sponsored by Smart will add new dimensions to Sipar’s activities together with the participation of Smart volunteers and cross-partnerships between our other CSR partners,” added Thomas Hundt.