Maureen Bird

With 33 of us here now, we split into three groups. One group packed 600 kits of items for local school children. Some will be distributed tomorrow at a school in one of the poorest districts and the rest on Sunday at a floating village at Tonle Lake, the site of a killing field where Ronnie Yimsut lost most of his family.
A second group continued with much-needed painting at the BCI orphanage we have been supporting. The third group mixed cement for a classroom floor. This is all done by hand- shovelling sand, carrying 50kg bags of cement mix and mixing in buckets of water before shovelling it out into place. But we can come back and say “We did that!” And the women were the best bucket-brigade anywhere.
Tonight we had an excellent presentation from the communications director of a children’s hospital. She is an example of the new Cambodian woman of success. This hospital treats 500 children a day and is financed totally from donations.
Then we were off to sample more wonderful (and inexpensive!) Cambodian food. Then off to bed for an early start again tomorrow.

Richard Clarke

November 19, 2013

This is my first time on a “sweat equity” tour with the District 7070 team. It has been on my to do list for some time. Experiencing my first one, I can tell you I regret waiting so long!

It has been a week already so I thought I would pass along some first impressions.

Our team is lead by Joanne and Jim Stewart. They have been doing these for years and their experience is evident every minute of each day. Clearly they have learned how to ride herd on a gaggle of ” A type” cats. They keep us focused and all going more or less in the same general direction. They and our host, Ronnie Yimsut ensure that we have a balanced day of work, free time and good food. While us newbies are too new to know better, they make sure we don’t over do it, so we are ready for the next day’s assignment.

The team of mostly veteran sweat equity social activists, Rotarians and friends of Rotary have been most welcoming to us newbies, showing us the ropes and regaling us with past exploits. What a wonderful bunch of humanitarians. The fellowship is wonderful.

My third impression is the selfless giving of the Cambodian partners that I have met. These wonderful individuals have dedicated themselves to helping others, the most needy and vulnerable, especially the orphaned or abandoned children.They may never, ever hear of Arch Klump, but they know themselves his call to Rotarians, ” Do good in the world”, for they certainly are.

The efforts of the regional educational authorities is staggering. The Pol Pot regime, in 4 short years virtually wiped out almost the entire educated population. Starting from scratch with the loss of most trained teachers they have built an education system that is close to reaching everyone. Yes there is much room for improvement, but they are making it happen.

One cannot visit Siem Reap, where we are based, without being taken by the hustle and bustle of this city. It is full of entreprenuers, young and old, sophisticated or not working hard to improve their and their families lives. With the incredible Angkor Wat on it’s doorstep, this city has become a wonderful spot to learn more about the marvelous past and absolutely enjoy the present!

For many years I have heard about the creation and programs of the Cambodian Landmine Museum. While long on my visit list, I had the good fortune of not only visiting, but lending a helping hand. Last week we spent 2 days repainting the interior of 4 display rooms. The photo is of Roger Cooper and Jim Stewart “cutting in” our paint job.
Our second team arrived last night – we will have triple the workforce. And for me an opportunity to renewl old friendships and make some new news! 🙂

By Maureen Bird

We arrived late Monday after a 24 hour flight with Korean Air -they did a great job. Tuesday was a rest day for us to get over the jet lag. The hotel is lovely and just next to the local markets which we got to explore.

Later we met up with group one and laid out plans for wednesday. Then off to a Cambodian BBQ restaurant – grill your own food on a brazier with unusual choices. $5.50 a person. Later we walked through the night market across the street. The casualties of the land mines are very visible. Tomorrow we work.