Equipping & Caring for Cambodian Village

The Cambodian farming community of Trah Peang Veng was concerned. A drought had robbed all 180 families of having a good rice crop. They were in danger of food shortages and loosing their only source of income. As a result of the drought, the children’s educations were at risk too.

You see, the majority of the poor farmers paid the community teacher with a portion of their rice crops. If the entire village could not afford to pay the teacher a total of $20 USD every month, the one-class room school would close. The nearest public elementary school was 2 km away; too far for the little ones to walk back and forth every day. Anxious parents shared their dilemma with a representative from OB Cambodia.

Investing in the Future
Not only did we agree to sponsor the small monthly cost, OB Cambodia helped to put a new coat of paint on the school’s walls and did some repair work. In October 2004, about 40 happy 5 to 8-year-olds were able to begin classes again. Mrs. Sorn Korn, a 30-year-old mother of four said, “We are farmers, so we don’t have time to accompany the children so far away. Thank you and donors that take care of our children.”

Tending the Sick
Later that winter we went back to Trah Peang Veng and held a free mobile medical clinic and community outreach. Most of the patients were children suffering from coughs and the flu. While parents had medical checkup and received medicines, children got hair cuts and hair lice treatments. To help improve public health awareness, the volunteer team conducted health, hygiene and nutrition sessions for everyone.

“I don’t want to miss opportunity to see doctor so I did not go to the rice field today,” commented a smiling Madam Peach Inn, a mother of four. “Normally I use traditional medicine. Thanks, this mission helps my family and others much.”

First Drink of Clean Water
The people of Trah Peany Veng had always existed without a clean source of water. In fact Mr. Bork Dong shared, “It was so bad during one dry season because there was not enough water for us in this village. The water is so cloudy, sometimes even brownish because of the mud. But we have no choice; we still walk across the rice fields to collect it for drinking, cooking and household needs. Most families travel 1 to 2 km to collect water from the nearest ponds.”

The 35-year-old farmer was delighted when the community found out that Operation Blessing was installing a bore well in the public community area. When the new well was ready, our team taught the villagers proper hygiene and sanitary practices. Also, children and adults were able to clear out their systems by taking anti-parasite medicine. Mrs. Mom expressed, “Thank you donors that care for us. Because of your care, my family and the village community will have better quality life.”

Thank you for helping us to care for this small community. There are many more hurting and hopeless people around the world. Please join us in breaking the cycle of their suffering.

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