Sustainable Cambodia's aim is to not just supply items, but to empower the people and make them self sufficient.
We were taken by moto (everyone had helmets this time) to a local village. The first stop was around 7.30 am at the pre-school. There were about 20 very small and very well behaved children sitting around a large table. They are taught basic schooling such as numbers, letters and some songs. They are also taught basic hygiene such as washing their hands after the toilet and before meals.
There are a number of reasons for this school. Firstly, it gets them and their parents used to to idea of attending school. It releases the parents to work the farm, as well as older children who might have to look after the little ones instead of attending school themselves. They learn good habits, and lastly, they are all given a nutritious breakfast, so that they can guarantee they have had at least one good meal a day. The children's height and weight are also monitored to check these effects
Breakfast arrives and without being told the children wash their hands
Helping feed her little sister. There aren't enough bowls for everyone so families share. Some children had to wait. On return I went to the market and bought them another ten.
Next we walked through to a farmhouse. Here SC have put in a well that supports five families, and a sand filter that then makes the water fit for drinking. The sand filters cost about $80. Such a small amount for something so worthwhile. They have also supplied fruit trees which can be watered from the well.
Well and pump
Sand filter. Each family that accesses the well has their own filter.
Back on the motos and our next stop was a home garden. Our guide was very proud to tell us that one of the villagers had moved to Thailand to try and find work. He was able to return to his village with SC giving him a loan to get the garden up and running. There were very healthy looking bean plants, pumpkins and a number of other vegetables. We were told how happy he is now, being home and being able to support his family.
The last stop I found the most impressive of all. At the back of a farmhouse there is a biogas plant. The manure from one cow is enough to supply gas for cooking and light for one family. 20 kilos of manure is mixed with 20 litres of water, which then goes into an underground tank. The gas produced from this is then pushed through into the house, and what remains goes into a holding area which can then be used for fertiliser and we were told it can also be fed back to the animals.
The varying components for the gas production.
Gas connected to the kitchen
This afternoon we continued with the orientation and had a presentation on the work that SC does. After that it was back on the motos for a lovely scenic drive to one of their schools. The school program they run is an adjunct to the regular state school, which only runs for half a day (two sessions a day to fit all the children in). So this is like after school classes. The children are so enthusiastic and eager to learn. They all seemed quite excited to have visitors.
So I guess we are fully orientated now if we want to be volunteers. I can see why Lauren and Lee have enjoyed their time and feel they have achieved something.
We finished the day with a farewell dinner. Lauren and Lee had thought about going to a restaurant, but then decided with everyone's heartfelt approval, to do what they have enjoyed the most - street chow. Lauren saw the street vendor last night to make sure they could cater for 20, and we had a wonderful night with great food.
Lee is still quite sore and sorry and will need to wear his brace for at least two weeks, but has really got off quite lightly. We will look for another doctor when we reach England. The other volunteer has been confirmed with Dengue Fever and Salmonella, what a double barrel. She has been too unwell to return here at present.
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