This article was written 2009 while I was working for World Vision Cambodia.
Title: Away from land mines and towards a better way to live
At 52 year old, uncle Khorn Sim still
looks strong as head of the family. He has faced many difficulties to get a
better life and his family has suffered for years.
“My family members were very skinny and pale for lack of food. To survive, we risked our lives tilling land in the forest that was not yet cleared of landmines. We dug bamboo shoots and searched for mushrooms to sell in the market for daily food,” uncle Khorn recounts.
“My six children couldn’t attend school regularly because I need them to help in earning for family. We all worked very hard, but our income is hardly enough for food. I didn’t know about hygiene, thus, my children were always sick and I need to spend for treatment,” adds uncle Khorn.
Uncle Khorn’s house always closed because everyone went to search mushrooms and bamboo shoots in the forest. He had no time interacting with his neighbors.
“Even if my family is poor, we lived peacefully and in harmony. I always use good words to all my children. We love and support each other,” he says.
In 2006, World Vision staff members called the villagers for a meeting and Khorn attended upon invitation of the village chief. He expected to receive instant gifts from World Vision, but instead, he got trained about raising animals and organizing a community group.
Uncle Khorn smiles and says, “I initially felt it was a waste of time and working in the forest is much better. Surprisingly, however, I was selected as a leader of the group in his village. So I was again invited to attend the training about planting vegetables and raising animals for a week. I started enjoy the training and learned fast. I immediately practiced what I have learned, and I became a good example of family garden in the village.”
Many visitors started visiting uncle Khorn’s family garden, uncle Khorn says, “ I am very happy and proud of myself and my family. The visits in our garden encourage us to work harder. I always reflect that if I just learn and never share with others, I wouldn’t have more satisfaction. Learning, immediate practice and sharing make me more hopeful and inspired.”
Uncle Khorn plants vegetables and corn, and sell them in the market. He bought and raised pigs and chicken. He calculates income and expenses like an accountant and became really good at budget management.
“I am now conscious about health and hygiene so I always clean-up to avoid bad smell and put my neighbors at risk. I keep sharing the knowledge and experience I gained to others,” says uncle Khorn with a smile on his face.
Uncle Khorn looks very dignified and friendly. He speaks slowly but clearly He does not spend time and money on vices like alcohol. He advises his friends to work with him, spend more time with their families and ensure that their children would have bright future.
Khorn’s life is far better now. He says,” I thank World Vision trained me to be responsible. I am happy to share my story to others so they can learn from it.”
“My family members were very skinny and pale for lack of food. To survive, we risked our lives tilling land in the forest that was not yet cleared of landmines. We dug bamboo shoots and searched for mushrooms to sell in the market for daily food,” uncle Khorn recounts.
“My six children couldn’t attend school regularly because I need them to help in earning for family. We all worked very hard, but our income is hardly enough for food. I didn’t know about hygiene, thus, my children were always sick and I need to spend for treatment,” adds uncle Khorn.
Uncle Khorn’s house always closed because everyone went to search mushrooms and bamboo shoots in the forest. He had no time interacting with his neighbors.
“Even if my family is poor, we lived peacefully and in harmony. I always use good words to all my children. We love and support each other,” he says.
In 2006, World Vision staff members called the villagers for a meeting and Khorn attended upon invitation of the village chief. He expected to receive instant gifts from World Vision, but instead, he got trained about raising animals and organizing a community group.
Uncle Khorn smiles and says, “I initially felt it was a waste of time and working in the forest is much better. Surprisingly, however, I was selected as a leader of the group in his village. So I was again invited to attend the training about planting vegetables and raising animals for a week. I started enjoy the training and learned fast. I immediately practiced what I have learned, and I became a good example of family garden in the village.”
Many visitors started visiting uncle Khorn’s family garden, uncle Khorn says, “ I am very happy and proud of myself and my family. The visits in our garden encourage us to work harder. I always reflect that if I just learn and never share with others, I wouldn’t have more satisfaction. Learning, immediate practice and sharing make me more hopeful and inspired.”
Uncle Khorn plants vegetables and corn, and sell them in the market. He bought and raised pigs and chicken. He calculates income and expenses like an accountant and became really good at budget management.
“I am now conscious about health and hygiene so I always clean-up to avoid bad smell and put my neighbors at risk. I keep sharing the knowledge and experience I gained to others,” says uncle Khorn with a smile on his face.
Uncle Khorn looks very dignified and friendly. He speaks slowly but clearly He does not spend time and money on vices like alcohol. He advises his friends to work with him, spend more time with their families and ensure that their children would have bright future.
Khorn’s life is far better now. He says,” I thank World Vision trained me to be responsible. I am happy to share my story to others so they can learn from it.”
-Ends-
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