Construction of the children’s library I decided to raise money to build in Cambodia has finally been completed. It is located on the grounds of Hor Nam Hong Preay Nhear Primary and Lower Secondary School in Batheay District, Kampong Cham, Cambodia.
In the story that drove the fundraising I explained why I believed there was a drastic need for such a library in Cambodia specifically. (You can hear this story via the YouTube video at the bottom of this post.) Thanks to Room to Read and a long list of people and organizations, over 1300 kids in Cambodia now have access to books in both English and Khmer.
“We really appreciate Room to Read and their donor who brought this project to our community. We thank them for providing materials and resources for building the room, and I pledge that we will do our best to run and maintain the building. This is a very important addition to our community. We want every one to know that they can read books in the library and also at home. This is the first time that the school and community have had a beautiful library building and library resources. This would not have been possible without Room to Read.We hope the colorful illustrations in the books will inspire the students to stay in school.”
- Hor Nam Hong Preay Nhear School Director
“I am so happy to have a library building. I never dreamed that I would have access to so many books and knowledge. I am especially excited to read about the world and improve my reading skills. By studying, I hope to further my education.”
-12 year old student
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Organization, materials, training and books were provided by Room to Read. 85% of the funding came through the supporters listed below. All labor as well as 15% of funding came from the community of Preay Nhear.
Get all the details in the full report from Room to Read.
I won’t personally accept praise or thanks for making this happen. It would have been impossible without even one of the number of people or organizations involved.
What I will say is that I saw a problem in the world, I sought a solution I believed in and then when I found it, I did my best to inspire others to believe with me.
The lesson I learned…
Inspiration is a currency of change.
I hope that you will take this with you. I hope that you will take the time in your own life to become an active proponent of inspiration and change in your community, your country or your world.
Thank you all so very much.
Live, love & travel well,
- JP Morgan Jr
The dedication plaque affixed to the Constructed Reading Room.
The Constructed Reading Room has enough space for the students to comfortably gather and read the new books.
The children are excited to grab new books from their library.
In addition to books, Room to Read provided educational games and puzzles.
This student has selected a new book to read.
This young girl has found a quite corner in which to read a new book.
A student reads her favorite book.
This student has selected her favorite storybook.
The students gather in the library to read and play games.
Even the youngest students enjoy the colorful picture books provided by Room to Read.
The AMAZING PEOPLE & ORGANIZATIONS that made the 85% funding of this library possible:
| Cameron Edwards | $2,000 |
| Paul and Carol McDermott | $1,000 |
| Michael & Brenda Laverty | $1,000 |
| John P Morgan Jr | $1,000 |
| Lynn Moran | $1,000 |
| John P Morgan | $1,000 |
| Wings Foundation | $1,000 |
| Mark Leeman | $1,000 |
| Cranston Stadium Elementary School | $900 |
| Change Media Group LLC | $900 |
| J Sarah Nicol | $500 |
| Unknown | $270 |
| Laurel Walsh | $250 |
| Rich Lang | $250 |
| John Jacob Burke | $250 |
| Rob Bevan | $200 |
| Jan Cisek | $101 |
| Susan Norman | $100 |
| Johnathan P. Munko | $100 |
| Debra Morgan | $100 |
| Kathy Crassweller | $100 |
| Kevin Trimmer Photography | $100 |
| Kathy Huynh | $100 |
| R.J. Heim | $100 |
| Keska Productions | $100 |
| Annie Morgan | $75 |
| JoAnn & Richard Sullivan | $60 |
| Rebekah Warren | $50 |
| Jeff Guthrie | $50 |
| Leti Jacques | $50 |
| Diane Ferrara | $50 |
| Michel Schmid | $50 |
| Shawn | $50 |
| Dana Borrelli | $50 |
| Sarah S | $50 |
| Eric Wu | $50 |
| Anonymous | $50 |
| Jessica Willett | $45 |
| Estelle Cruse | $35 |
| Malika | $35 |
| Providence Country Day School | $30 |
| Sergio | $30 |
| The Kupka Family | $20 |
| Mary Jo Murray | $20 |
| Chris Tittle | $20 |
The story that drove the fundraiser at OneOldPen.org
Pro-bono video production by friend Eric Anagnostis at BLAMO! Studios.
Pro-bono music by friend Mike Gertrudes.
July 20th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
It’s amazing to see what you’re doing! The world needs more people like you
!