Message from the floods in Sarsadam, Siem Reap

A report by Ms Lonh Ratha, primary school teacher in Siem Reap on the impact of the current flood situation in a commune in Cambodia.

From: Lonh Ratha [mailto:lonh.ratha@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, 22 October, 2011 1:38 AM
To: Learning Journeys Cambodia
Subject: Re: I would give you an update

Hello. Sorry for late reply to you because I was busy waiting to use the computer but it didn't allow to use gmail. What i told you above is a serious note. Why I asked you because I really want to know. Sorry I should not disturb you.

You must be busy. Now I would give an update from my assessment. Many schools will open on Monday 24th next week. However flood water is still a bad reason which has caused damage to Cambodian people's lives because about 85% of us are farmers who depend on the weather but unfortunately this year,the sky gives too much rain and too much water from TONLE SAB and TONLE MEKONG causing our lands to be flooded badly especially for rice crops and people's life. It is a dangerous nature which create poverty and sickness for the people. This is a discouragement to the children too especially on their education because of poverty as their parents have no money to buy material for them to study.

This reason can cause them to give up study too so the arrival of volunteer students on 30Oct-04Nov to help them is the best opportunity to encourage them to continue study. The most urgent need for them is the material for study such as: bags notebook, pens, pencils, rulers........ And uniform. Any way if they are able to get bicycle is the best way because I see that many
students give up study as they have no bicycle to school. Best regards. RATHA

NB: Ms Ratha is also a volunteer staff of Learning Journeys (Cambodia) Foundation who always look forward to meet and work with fellow teachers from overseas to help Cambodian youths.

Welcome to Learning Journeys Cambodia

Cambodia, a place of rich history and cultural heritage, is one place that will leave its imprint on visitors. Many Singaporeans who have been living in comfort and safety may learn to appreciate what they have after visiting a countryrising from the ashes of a genocide and civil war.
Indeed, this land had been ravaged by war through its history for the name Siem Reap, meaning ‘Defeat of Siam’, refers to a century-old bloodbath with Thailand.
In order to create an opportunity for pupils to better appreciate cultural differences of another country in Southeast Asia and develop team spirit, independence and adaptability in pupils through experiential learning, Learning Journeys Cambodia ExCeL is safe and sanitary, a perfect centre for a service learning trip.
With clean water virtually inaccessible to the population of Cambodia, the ExCeL’s water pond has a simple but effective filtration system that is able to provide for villagers. According to UNICEF’s ‘State of the World’s Children’ 2009 Report, only 41% of rural Cambodians have access to improved drinking water. The center hopes to alleviate the conditions in the village and enable students to experience and learn beyond their textbooks.