With a Luena Foundation Young Changemaker’s Grant, 17‑year‑old Largo Sueiro built and equipped community-run library for a school on the outskirts of Siem Reap, Cambodia. The students and teachers can broaden their understanding of the English language through impactful literature.
Meet Largo, a member of our
Reading Amplifies Benefits of Education
A lifelong book lover, Largo grew up immersed in stories like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. As part of a traveling family, he saw firsthand how access to education – and the lack of it – shaped entire communities. His awareness began at age nine, when his family lived in Ecuador. There, he witnessed how limited schooling and little exposure to books could ripple through every part of life, from career prospects to overall well-being. By contrast, children introduced to books early learned faster, thought more critically, and grasped new ideas with remarkable ease.
The lesson stayed with him: literature isn’t just entertainment, it’s a tool that can change the trajectory of a person’s life.
In 2022, when Largo visited a small village school near Siem Reap, Cambodia, and learned the students had no library, he knew he’d found a place where this tool was urgently needed. He set out to create a sustainable solution: build a weather-tight, low-maintenance library, bring in electricity, furnish it, and fill it with books that would inspire young readers.
Among those books, he made sure to include a strong collection in English. In Cambodia, English literacy is more than a valuable skill; it’s a gateway to better jobs, higher education, and connections beyond the local community. By giving rural students the chance to learn through English literature, Largo is helping them open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed.
Becoming a Luena Changemaker
Largo applied for and was awarded a Luena Young Changemaker’s Grant to transform a bare, underused space into a fully functional school library. His vision went beyond simply building a room with shelves: he wanted to create a welcoming, comfortable environment where students could develop a love for reading and gain the language skills that would open new doors for their futures.
With Luena’s grant and additional funds raised from his community, Largo oversaw a complete rehabilitation of the library structure. The work included installing a durable new roof, repairing walls, replacing windows, and adding other protective features to keep books safe from Cambodia’s harsh weather. Inside, he furnished the space with sturdy tables, chairs, and cozy reading nooks, then stocked it with a mix of donated and purchased books—including a significant English-language collection to help students strengthen their literacy and become more competitive for future education and job opportunities.
Thanks to these upgrades, the library is now a bright, resilient, and community-owned resource. With proper care, it will continue to serve hundreds of children for years to come—inviting them into the world of reading and all the opportunities it brings.
Lessons Learned & Advice for Future Changemakers
Leading a project in another country taught Largo that preparation is everything—but flexibility is just as important. He learned to build in extra time for delays, to hire reliable local crews, and to clearly communicate expectations at every step. Delegating to trusted team members made the process smoother and ensured progress continued even when unexpected challenges arose.
His biggest takeaway? Don’t underestimate the power of a strong support system. Having guidance from experienced mentors, encouragement from family and friends, and input from the community made the project not only possible but sustainable.
For other aspiring Changemakers, Largo offers this advice:
- Prepare as much as possible. Research, budget, and plan—but expect surprises along the way.
- Involve the community from day one. Their ownership ensures the project will thrive after you leave.
- Lean on your team. You don’t have to do everything yourself—choose people you can trust and empower them.
- Think long-term. Build something that can be maintained locally with minimal oversight.
“Reading isn’t just words on a page; it’s a new world, a new mystery, and a grand adventure. Each page you turn provides a wealth of knowledge that prepares you for anything.” – Largo Sueiro
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Quick Project Stats
| Changemaker | Largo Sueiro |
| Project | Library construction & fit‑out (roof, wall, windows, door, floor, paint; power with fan & outlets; tables, chairs; books) |
| Location | Rural outskirts of Siem Reap, Cambodia |
| Timeline | Started May 18, 2022; completed July 14, 2025 |
| Beneficiaries | ~300 children (and their teachers) |
| Luena Grant | $1, 000 |
In Largo’s Words: What Kind of Change Did you See in the Community?
“From the beginning, the change in the community was evident. Noticeably, children were flocking to the library in search of their next literary adventure. Teachers were ecstatic with the new material and what was possible. Within a few days, the children went from curious to hooked. Dozens would come daily, with a few rapidly progressing from their first graphic novel to chapter books in a matter of days.”
