Phum Trea, Cambodia
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A Humble Start: A group of us had been visiting the Cambodian village, Phum Trea on an informal basis for about two years to see what we could do for the villagers on a personal level. Heartened when we saw our every small effort have a positive impact on the lives of these underprivileged people, we set up Hope Villages Fund to take our efforts to the next level. About Phum Trea: Phum Trea is about 140km from Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. To get there, one has to travel towards Kampong Cham, then go a 18km village road ride to the bank of Mekong River, where five minute boat ride will take you to the village. This village, about 5km in radius, is along the Mekong River, which also represents the lifeline of the villagers. A population of about 11,000 people, they speak the Cham language and a little Malay. They practice the Islamic faith and live without basic necessities like electricity and piped water. The villagers use water from the dirty Mekong River. There is no proper teaching or medical facilities available to the villagers. Classrooms are overcrowded, hot and furnished with homemade furniture. There is only a village nurse and medical help and medicine are difficult to get. |
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