“It is much simpler to buy books than to read them and easier to read them than to absorb their contents. Too many men slip early out of the habit of studious reading, and yet that is essential” – Sir William Osler

SCAO Diary: October – November 2009

1. Community Event:

On the second weekend of October, Mr. and Mrs. Samith organized an informative event and invited 30 extremely poor families in the community to inform them of the following issues:

• All children should go to school as education is the only possibility to ensure long-term support for the family.
• Environmental responsibility starts with basic things as how to collect rubbish and get rid of it by other ways than throwing it in the lake or elsewhere.
• SCAO wants to encourage mutual help and support in the neighborhood.
• Promoting and informing about the free English and sewing classes offered by SCAO.
• Vision and mission of SCAO.

At the end of his speech, Mr. Samith, his wife, the kids and volunteers distributed 5kg of rice, soy sauce, fish sauce and noodles to each family.

2. Education and Projects: Li May goes to school and is very enthusiastic about it. She wears school uniform of size xxs. Hom got a sponsorship by a German woman for the first semester of his studies at the Phnom Penh Agriculture University. His enrollment will take place soon.

The library project is led by the Dutch/Chinese volunteer Ginney Liu, resident in Phnom Penh. A large bookshelf was purchased, the existing books categorized. The kids at the center are now more encouraged to use the books as they are always visible and reachable. Also volunteers have started with reading sessions.

We got one more student for the sewing project.

3. Flooding and Illness:

Unfortunately the heavy flooding of the area has again reached the Center and also the school ground. The water rises daily and already the level is higher than the highest level last year. Rains will continue until mid November. This week we will have to stop the English and sewing project as even the paved way from the village to the center is heavily flooded and most children can’t access the school. The public school is also 80 cm flooded and will remain closed for a longer period. The water already stinks and is full of dead fish. Mr. Samith built a wall to protect the inner center from the water but there is not much hope that this measure will prevent the flooding of the kitchen, and other areas of the Center. The only access to the center since last Thursday is by boat or by walking along the wall. Although Mr. Samith remains optimistic, hoping that the rains will stop. Despite of the fun the children were having in the first days of this exciting situation, the worst part is the serious health problems the children have and will continue to result.

One volunteer is remaining at the center. Tourists obviously cannot access it anymore. Baby Long already has painful skin infections.

My friend and I have offered our flats to give shelter for the younger kids and Mrs. Samith. By mid week, Mr. Samith will decide if he accepts our offer if conditions do not improve.

SCAO has to get through this, hopefully without serious effects to the children’s health.

Regards,

André Struve
Save Children in Asia

SCAO Is Lighting the Way to a Better Future Filled with Hope >>

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