Why Build A School In Cambodia?

I mentioned on my blog last week that I haven't been to Cambodia and so can't speak honestly about the needs of that country. Not satisfied with this, I reached out to a friend of mine, a blogger who lives in Hong Kong and asked him what he thought. This guest post is from the Paddy of Paddy In Buenos Asia.

I was fortunate  enough to have had the opportunity to visit Cambodia for a week in July 2009. Three things in particular made a lasting impression on me.

1. The magnificent ruins of Angkor Wat near Siam Reap.

2. The sincere friendliness of the Cambodian people.

3. Last, but but by no means least, the extreme poverty that permeates the entire country.

The capital, Phnom Penh is 6 hours drive from Siam Reap. It's a poverty stricken, polluted, congested mess. Besides the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda there is not much that is pleasing on the eyes. As you reach the outskirts of the city, it looks like a huge shanty town with large numbers of kids begging for money.

As we explored the killing fields of Choeung Ek, 16kms outside the city, mid morning on a weekday, groups of young children aged 4-10, trawled the streets, selling postcards and books. Others, begged on the side of the road.  Why weren't they in school?

Unfortunately, there is little in the way of 'normal' infrastructure' once you head outside the city limits. No schools, no hospitals, limited police posts. As you head to more rural areas the situation deteriorates even further.  Most tourists jet in and out of Cambodia oblivious to the seriousness of the situation.  

This a nation which has endured extreme hardships and genocide for decades at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. This is a nation that continues to suffer incredible poverty.  This is a nation that deserves better and needs your support.

Thanks for that up-to-date perspective Paddy.