Cambodia Communities Hope
Decades of civil war has transformed the once glorious kingdom of Cambodia into one of the poorest countries in South East Asia. Without a formal property ownership system, powerful people are taking the land and leaving the local communities destitute and in dire need of some of the most basic provisions.
Poverty is widespread throughout the rural regions of the nation. Although the civil war technically ended in 1998, with the overthrowing of Khmer Rouge, the nation was left in ruins - the destruction left the transport system in tatters and many locals find that they are still cut off from medical supplies, markets and aid. While the government has been making strides to end poverty in the area, the going is tough with about 36 percent of the population still living below the poverty line - set at US$0.50 a day!
Meanwhile, the country is essentially a walking death trap. The years of guerrilla fighting saw forces from all sides setting up fatal land mines throughout the land and many of them are still active today. As a result the country has the highest rate of physical disability of any country in the world - an estimated 40,000 Cambodians have suffered amputations since 1979.
However, despite the tragedies of it people, look into the eyes of its smiling children and you'll know it's a community with hope. Like many Asian cultures, the Cambodian lifestyle is deeply rooted in family and community, where neighbours work together to make the most of the meagre resources they have.
Education, clean drinking water, medical supplies - these are all scraped from various sources, including aid organisations, and pooled together for the greater benefit of the community.
Organisations like ActionAid through its sponsor a child program and funds, work directly with community representatives to determine the best way to allocate and develop resources for a long standing investment in the future. Action Aid assist locals in addressing issues like women's and girls' rights, develop resources for education and food as well assist communities in establishing safe, just and democratic way of living.
Today there are positive signs of recovery. In 2008, Cambodia's tourism industry saw a 13 percent increase from foreign visitors, which offers a direct boost to the local economy. Meanwhile, increased attention from international aid organisations and governments has also boosted the profile of the nation and the urgency of its plight. Working together, Cambodian communities can feel safer today and hope for a better tomorrow.
Lend a hand to Cambodia's future - donate or sponsor a child today.
Poverty is widespread throughout the rural regions of the nation. Although the civil war technically ended in 1998, with the overthrowing of Khmer Rouge, the nation was left in ruins - the destruction left the transport system in tatters and many locals find that they are still cut off from medical supplies, markets and aid. While the government has been making strides to end poverty in the area, the going is tough with about 36 percent of the population still living below the poverty line - set at US$0.50 a day!
Meanwhile, the country is essentially a walking death trap. The years of guerrilla fighting saw forces from all sides setting up fatal land mines throughout the land and many of them are still active today. As a result the country has the highest rate of physical disability of any country in the world - an estimated 40,000 Cambodians have suffered amputations since 1979.
However, despite the tragedies of it people, look into the eyes of its smiling children and you'll know it's a community with hope. Like many Asian cultures, the Cambodian lifestyle is deeply rooted in family and community, where neighbours work together to make the most of the meagre resources they have.
Education, clean drinking water, medical supplies - these are all scraped from various sources, including aid organisations, and pooled together for the greater benefit of the community.
Organisations like ActionAid through its sponsor a child program and funds, work directly with community representatives to determine the best way to allocate and develop resources for a long standing investment in the future. Action Aid assist locals in addressing issues like women's and girls' rights, develop resources for education and food as well assist communities in establishing safe, just and democratic way of living.
Today there are positive signs of recovery. In 2008, Cambodia's tourism industry saw a 13 percent increase from foreign visitors, which offers a direct boost to the local economy. Meanwhile, increased attention from international aid organisations and governments has also boosted the profile of the nation and the urgency of its plight. Working together, Cambodian communities can feel safer today and hope for a better tomorrow.
Lend a hand to Cambodia's future - donate or sponsor a child today.
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