Update from Samrong Mean Chey , July 2016

1. cafod.org.uk/connect2cambodia Update from Samrong Mean Chey, July 2016

2. “The support from you, it will always stay in my heart. It will stay deep, deep in my heart.” - Dara

3. Dara became a father and is enjoying married life with his wife, Taev On. “I’m happy to be a father and I would like to have more children! My marriage with Taev On works because we love and understand each other. I will always find a way to resolve any problems we have in our family.” News from Dara Dara moved on from working at the jeans factory and now runs a small kiosk with a partner selling petrol. When we saw him last he told us that although he doesn’t make much income from selling petrol, he finds the work much safer than his previous jobs where he had to operate heavy machinery and put strain on his body. His sister had to leave school and return to Samrong Mean Chey to look after their mother who unfortunately remains unwell. However, despite much adversity, Dara’s brother has been able to continue his education. “My brother is now in 8th grade and he loves going to school. I spend an hour each day helping him with this school work. I hope one day both my brother and sister graduate. That would make me so happy!” Dara busy serving a customer at his petrol kiosk. Through CAFOD’s partnership with SCC, Dara and his family have benefitted from small grants for food and basic household items as well as a bicycle for the family. Dara also took part in an exchange visit to Siem Reap in the north of Cambodia where he attended trainings on sustainable ways of growing food and developed a passion for photography while he was there!

4. Samol and his wife, Meas Mom “I want our community to live in happiness without discrimination. We also need freedom which comes from everyone knowing their rights. My wish is for clear and transparent laws which are put into practice - justice for everyone.” - Samol

5. Samol’s continued leadership brings hope to the community Samol’s wife, Meas Mom, was left badly injured after a motorbike accident and was unable to work for some time, putting pressure on Samol and the family to make ends meet. Thankfully Meas Mom has now made a full recovery and she is back at work selling fish and vegetables at the market. Samol continues his incredible work as community leader, speaking up for members of his community and sharing their concerns with the local government. Samol has been instrumental in pushing for the local authorities to provide the community with land titles, resulting in some exciting news which he shared with CAFOD recently: “We have received a decision from the local government that they will give our community rights to legally build and repair on this land [these rights were revoked back in 2012]. This will have a big impact on the environment of Samrong Mean Chey and the community’s health. These rights will allow us to take care of our land properly.” Despite this positive step, Samol continues to fight for full land rights for the community, to safeguard families from eviction as the city of Phnom Penh expands. “We are still hopeful that we will receive our full land rights…it would be mean so much to us because we have fought for so long to achieve this. When we have our land titles we will feel more connected and less separated from the rest of society”. CAFOD’s partner, SCC, continues to provide guidance and training to Samol and his fellow community members on how to address the issue of land rights with the government. “I want to see a solution to these issues for my entire community. Through working as community leader and receiving training from SCC I have been able to make improvements to our community. I want to continue to develop my knowledge and skills and through the support of SCC I hope to learn more and more.”

6. Community Action • Samol shares the successes the community has achieved through working closely with SCC: • “Through working as a community leader we now know about the community laws. We discuss with each other the law, human rights, domestic violence, to gain a deep understanding about these issues and to strengthen our communication to build a united community and maintain a healthy living environment.They [SCC] have provided education, training on sanitation and how to keep a good and clean environment. • They have encouraged saving groups to establish businesses so the community can help themselves. With the support of SCC, the local authority give us permission to hold action planning meetings and they invite different members and NGOs to attend.” Samol reading the community’s water meter.

7. “I want my children to learn. I don’t want them to do manual work which is hard and inconsistent. I want them to have a profession using their writing skills and knowledge.” - Chamrouen

8. A new home signals a new chapter for Chamrouen’s family Chamrouen moved on from his job as construction site foreman and is now a contractor managing construction projects. “I make around US $15 per day. I could never make this much before but my experience and training has allowed me to earn more." Chamrouen has been able to share his skills with others through taking on apprentices. “I like teaching and training apprentices. With my support my apprentices have really achieved and have been able to save money for their futures.” He has also used his skills to build his family’s house, a strong and sturdy building which Chamrouen speaks of with real pride. Speaking of the difference SCC has made to the community, Chamrouen tells us that previously the community really suffered from issues such as domestic violence and family conflict. “SCC discussed with us different issues such as gender and the importance of peace within the family, which has led to greater harmony within our community.” Chamrouen’s greatest wish is for his children to complete their education. Chamrouen displaying his construction plans for his latest customer.

9. “Thank you to the communities in England and Wales for supporting us from the start. We send wishes of good health and success to you.” - Chamrouen Left: Chamrouen with his wife, NeangNak, and their son.