CAMBODIA UPDATE

February 1999

On my recent visit to Cambodia, I made a firm contact with the Cambodian aid agency called Saboras, meaning "compassion." I was very impressed with their work with orphans, street children and the handicapped. In particular, on learning of their sewing classes for former young prostitutes and orphans, I had them sew 200 mosquito nets for about the same cost as market value. As a goodwill gesture, I also donated $500 for unrestricted use, with the understanding that we would work together in the future in the refugee areas around Pailin; Saboras already has programs for resettled refugees along the road to Pailin.

On exploring Pailin, I discovered not one refugee settlement as before, but three. I delivered to Bauhaey Village 200 mosquito nets, two-thirds of the malaria medicine, and half the rice to the 197 households. At O'Cheukram Village, of aboput 300 people, I delivered half the rice, 1/3 of the malaria medicine, vitamins, tools, blankets and mosquito nets. The third area of resettlement, Phum Tmiy, I only had time to visit; on my brief assessment I noted very close proximity to Pailin and a communal well, so the need did not appear as serious.

Neither Bauhaey nor O'Cheukram has a well or latrine facilities; all drinking and wash water comes directly from the stream, which in Bauhaey was at least a kilometer away. Since my last visit to Bauhaey in 7/98, a school hut has been built, complete with benches and blackboards, two teachers who work in shifts, and limited school supplies. However, O'Cheukram did not have any schooling in place. There the needs for a well and a school are imperative. Next to health care, education is the key in preventing the tragedies of Cambodia's recent past.

Among the countless health problems I observed in both villages, a twelve year old girl with polio captured my heart. Having never received any medical attention, her life consisted of lying on the floor of her hut, with her mother carrying her outside for bathroom breaks. She asked me for a wheelchair. Not only was I able to procure a rugged wheelchair, but I informed the mother that the Red Cross facility in Battambang could provide her with braces and therapy as well.

After initial distrust, the family, including the father who had lost his lower leg from a landmine several years back, agreed to return to the city with me. When I left them a few days later in Battamnbang, in the care of Saboras, the father had received a new prosthesis, the girl a corset brace, and both a new outlook. And in the larger picture, a bridge has now been built between agencies like Saboras and the refugee communities.

In fact, I have already received word that the director of Saboras has met with representatives from O'Cheukram. If $2,000 can be raised in the next two months, Saboras can oversee the construction of a school, complete with supplies and teachers, before the rainy season begins. I thank you for your past donations, and I look forward to your ongoing support.

EXPENDITURES (Feb. 1999)

Donations or Correspondence:

Lance A. Rasbridge, Ph.D.
Cambodia Fund
Refugee Services of North Texas
4113 Junius St.
Dallas, TX 75246
214 266-1127 lrasbr@aol.com

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