September 15th, 2017:
Vong Vy, 53
“Sometimes I can’t control my mind.”
The neighborhood was recently trying to evict her because she struggles with an undiagnosed mental illness and can sometime turn on people.
The Regional Development Action Association stepped in and talked the community and landlord into letting her stay. They also sponsored the new tin roof on her home.
Sang Vey Commune, Chikreng District, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
My third stop on my July/August, ultra quick round-the-world was a week spent in Siem Reap Cambodia, near Angkor Wat. Since I’ve never been here before, seeing the temples was going to be interesting (another post on that in the future), but the primary reason for stopping here was to work with a couple different Non-Governmental Organizations. One group I worked with was the Regional Development Action Association, which does it’s work in and around Opheakspea village in the Sang Vey Commune about an hour motorbike ride outside of Siem Reap.
The RDAA supports the community with programs for Social Entrepreneurship, Alleviating poverty, and Reducing domestic violence, but for the day I spent with the founder, Sothea Yon, we focused on documenting their work at the Lotus House School and their programs in elderly care, which provides financial support and is currently involved in a big push to help everyone in the community suffering from cataracts.
Nuerm, 86. She has been blind for 3 years and support has been given by the Regional Development Action Association.
Khut, 86, is almost completely blind, but will have cataract surgery soon, supported my by the Regional Development Action Association.
Her biggest fear is not the surgery, but getting sick on the car ride to and from the hospital.
Sang Vey Commune, Chikreng District, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Cheng Lay, 68.
Sang Vey Commune, Chikreng District, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Cheng Lor, 75, has her head shaved before a buddhist holy day.
Sang Vey Commune, Chikreng District, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Phut, 87. She has had 3 cataract operations supported my by the Regional Development Action Association and can now see clearly.
Sang Vey Commune, Chikreng District, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
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Fabulous photos Robert. Beautiful, genuine, caring people captured by your lens.
They are a wonderful community. Sothea yon and Carol & Jeff Morrell are the most amazing people. Love spending time out there at Lotus House and with the elderly.
Thanks for the fantastic pics