iFocus :: Sopheap Chak

Cambodia: reform needed to combat poverty – Bertelsmann Future Challenges

2011-08-10T21:16:00.000+07:00

Cambodia: reform needed to combat poverty – Bertelsmann Future Challenges

Cambodia: reform needed to combat poverty

Tuesday, 9 August 2011 / Chak Sopheap
Tags: accountability, Cambodia, Civil Society, global civil society, NGOs, poverty
Regions: Burma, Cambodia

Cambodia is among the world’s poorest countries. While parts of the economy are making considerable progress, more than 30 percent of the population still live in poverty. Though the government has proposed many strategies – like the the Poverty Reduction Strategy Program, Cambodia Millennium Development Goals and the National Strategic Development Plan – little progress has been made in improving people’s living standards. On the 2010 U.N. Development Program’s Human Development Index, Cambodia is ranked 124 out of 169 countries, just above Myanmar but below Laos. This is a slight improvement over 1995-2005. Over the past few years, Cambodia’s economic growth rate has been in double digits which has helped reduce poverty from 34.8 percent in 2004 to 30.1 percent in 2007, according to World Bank figures.

Cambodian government policies aimed at reducing poverty will not work without collaboration from people at the grassroots level, civil society organizations and donor communities. An active grassroots civil society would ensure that citizens’ diverse voices are articulated and heard by local governments. It would also act as a check on local government action and ensure that it complies with the wishes of citizens – a community-based monitoring function that enhances accountability. Both roles would promote governance for the benefit of the poor.

Poverty reduction is one of the mandates of international institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and has been their joint focus since 1999. Their continued financial and technical assistance is crucial to both government and civil society organizations. There are huge grants from major donor countries and agencies that prioritize a formidable range of pressing issues including agricultural and rural development, human rights issues, decentralization, disability and rehabilitation, disarmament and demobilization, education, electoral reform, fishery and forestry sectors, gender and women’s participation, governance and transparency, health and HIV/AIDS, landmines and unexploded ordinances in affected communities, land reform, microfinance, resettlement and rights of affected people and the rule of law. If policies in these sectors are effectively implemented they will contribute to poverty reduction.

Since the early 1990s NGOs in Cambodia have been heavily involved in post-conflict reconstruction, emergency relief work, repatriation and resettlement of refugees, and assisting with the implementation of basic services and infrastructure. NGOs work hard under difficult conditions in many sectors and geographical areas where the Cambodian government has outsourced, ignored or failed to provide assistance.

Despite their contributions to government policies, the activities of some of these groups – especially those that advocate civil rights or fight corruption – are obstructed or rebutted by the government in the name of protecting national security and the social order.

The central issue here is thus the lack of cooperation between the government and civil society organizations. There is no communication and coordination between government and donor agencies so that funds can be channeled properly to avoid duplication of tasks, and no common fund-requesting procedures to facilitate the organizations’ work.

In addition, there are donor-driven agendas to which NGOs often have to conform to maintain their funding. Such shifts may not be appropriate neither for NGOs themselves in terms of expertise nor for the particular development needs of the various communities. They also create conflicts of interest among civil society organizations when jockeying for funding which ultimately contributes to a lack of collaboration between them.

Furthermore, there are many challenges for people at grassroots level who wish to exercise their rights. A small oligarchy of high-ranking government officials, army generals and rich entrepreneurs dominates the country politically, socially and economically. The National Assembly and the Senate do not fulfill their functions effectively and hardly take any initiative on their own. The judiciary system, which is not dependent on the executive power, provides the rich and mighty with impunity. All TV channels and most of the radio stations and print media are controlled by the government and do not report fairly on the opposition parties.

Corruption is rampant in Cambodia; in fact, corruption is one of the main sources of human rights violations and one of the main factors fueling poverty. Instead of being properly consulted, rural and urban community leaders are intimidated and pushed aside. In most cases, the courts do not protect their rights to a fair trial. Grassroots activists who try to resist are arrested and given heavy sentences.

The poorest and most disadvantaged parts of society have limited opportunities to exercise their civil and political rights. They neither know about their rights nor how to advocate for them. The failure of the authorities to protect their rights, and excessive use of force by security forces sometimes lead to counter-violence. Thus in order to tackle poverty and violence, civil society organizations and donor communities need to lobby the government for administrative and judicial reforms and empowerment of people at the grassroots level.

Poverty reduction requires a strong government role in collaboration with civil society. First, the Cambodian government should work toward a clean, highly competent and courageous leadership. Second, Cambodia must develop a highly educated, development-oriented, non-corrupt, efficient bureaucracy. The new anti-corruption unit, recently established after the long awaited law on anti-corruption was finally adopted, should be aimed at strictly and independently enforcing the law.
Third, all civil society and government stakeholders interested in the development of the country should work towards a culture of mutual collaboration, through extensive community consultation rather than through pressure exerted by powerful groups or lobbies.

Ultimately, the Cambodian government should enforce reforms of the administrative, legal and judicial, military, economic and financial branches to improve the living conditions of the Cambodian people. Only if these reforms are implemented will poverty reduction policies be feasible

Change to new blog address

2009-03-27T16:30:00.004+07:00

Dear all readers,

I would like to thank for your visit and support on my blog.
Last few months, my blog got some problem and it was disorganized.
So, i have tried to figure out the problem and changed to a new address.
Therefore, i hope to see your continuing support and contact.

Please visit my new blog at www.sopheapfocus.com

Sopheap

Civic Responsibility and Education: Hirokami higashi school Case

2008-12-01T11:56:00.006+07:00

Author: Chak Sopheap

Following my previous article on “Understanding the Japanese Spirit to Success,” I would like to raise the civic responsibility in Education system in Japan which plays as a central pillar for achieving the JAPAN foundations. This article is reflected from my field trip to visit a primary school, Hirokami higashi school.

Well-designed curriculum: The school has consistent programs that allow the students to learn step by step with a long term visionary. Students are not only learning theoretical parts but know-how lessons including building a small house, taking care animal, planting rice, cooking the rice, and organizing the program for schools. You may wonder why Japan, a leading economy nation, adopts such a program that sounds agricultural and non-business approach to students at the young age (it does not mean that Japan do not train their students to be businessmen, but until they reach colleague or university level).

Through these activities, students are trained to work as a team, to have a strong communication among teachers and students and the public, as well as to understand their individual and social responsibility. If we go deeply to understand their concept, students are instructed to value their surrounding environment: Value the crops that they have spent time to grow so that they will also value the farmers who support their food security; value the environment and animal life (through their warming heart learning the complexity of ecosystem at this young age); and value the community to which they are belonging through their contribution in social projects like raising fund to support rural schools where they have poor infrastructure.

What even striking me the most is that the students learn the peace concept and they are working together to make “With One Hearth, Dreams Come True,” peace project possible. It is one of the best examples for a long-term peace advocacy.

Motivation and parent-school Partnership: School, teachers, and parents play important roles to motivate students to be active and hard-working to achieve their goals. Taking English language learning as example, school have designed programs where student can expose to communicate directly with foreigners, like the filed visit that I was invited is one of the example. Students are encouraged to speak with delegates and their works have been exhibited during the School Festival where parents and public are able to investigate and see how their kids behave and work at school.

Personally, I think these activities are necessary to build a well-cognitive behavior for students and the society need to address the need for such attitudes that can build a better future for the young generation with civic responsibility so that the world can be peaceful and harmonized.

Understanding Japanese Spirits of Success

2008-09-10T06:00:00.019+07:00

Author: Chak Sopheap

Japan is an island nation situated in the Northeast coast of mainland Asia. After World War II, Japan, which was virtually ruined, went through a period of restoration, followed by high economic growth, eventually becoming the world’s second largest economy. It is a member of the United Nation, G8, G4, OECD and APEC and a world leader in technology and machinery. This clearly indicates that Japan can both reconcile and reunite citizens to succeed in its own country development as well as to reintegrate into world diplomacy and global economy.Knowing how Japan has arrived at this stage is a good lesson learnt for other developing countries, especially those without the exception of Cambodia who experienced similar war destructions. The following remark is my personal point of view followed by a series of lectures of Japanese professors, CD documentation on “Keys to Japan” by JICA, and personal observation on Japanese society. There are five foundations that JAPAN can transform itself to the current phase of development—that is JAPAN:Japanization: Wakon Yosai spiritA Rule of Law PunctualityA strong collaboration between Public and Private Sector Nationalism and Meritocracy

1. Japanization: Wakon Yosai spiritJapanization is a concept that Japan adopts and adapts western method into its own spirit. The Japanese leaders and scholars who spent their time oversea return home with the western system and philosophy and make it suit to Japanese practice. It includes the political system—the incorporation of German constitution as its model, the transportation, and mainly the economic development. One example is how Shibusawa Eiichi, the father of economy of Japan, learnt from western concept and applied it into Japan. He tried to seek for the answer how to generate money in order to serve public purposes. That is bank system which allows the money flow from individual to entrepreneur and the state and the money will return to household in the form of interest, business transaction and public services. In addition, Japan invested huge amount of its budget on foreign experts in order to develop the country as well as to learn from their skill. It means the price have to pay.

2. A rule of law
A rule of law means that no individual, president or private citizen, stands above law. The core principle of "rule of law" is an autonomous legal order that does not depend so much on law's instrumental capabilities, but on its degree of autonomy—the degree to which law is distinct and separate from other normative structures such as politics and religion. Japan is considered as a rule of law state. People consciously obliged to follow the country’s rules and regulations including the Constitution, administrative procedure, environment, traffic and other state’s policies. Corruption and impunity less likely exists. It may result from high salary payment for employees in both government and private institutions as well due to the citizen’s high virtue. I would like to point out one example:
Traffic Law: Japan has a point system (you get "points" for various bad things and extra penalties kick in when the points reach certain limits). A strict focus on alcohol and driving—“If you are drunk, do not drive”. There is a subjunctive observation if you've been drinking or not. Interestingly, Japanese people like drinking alcohol, yet they will chose not to drink if they are going to drive home or somewhere else. It shows clearly how effective of law enforcement in Japan is and how people are highly obliged to the country law.

3. Punctuality
Japanese people are creators of habit of being punctual. It may due to their busy schedule, crowed and well-timed transportation, and culture adoption. I have personally experienced how Japanese people respect their time management and agenda during conferences, class orientation, meeting appointments, and bus and train stations. Basically, punctuality indicates integral personality and it communicates self-value to other partners. It also shows how much we respect ourselves and others. We may be occasionally late due to unexpected and unavoidable occurrence. However, punctuality does matter and need to be addressed if we become habitually late. More importantly, time respect is important to succeed in any kind of business. We have to realize how to value the time we have, as quoted from a book, titled “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teen”: To realize the value of one year, ask a student who failed his final exam last year.

To realize the value of one month, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of one week, ask an editor of a weekly magazine.
To realize the value of one day, ask a daily wage laborer who has six kids to feed.
To realize the value of one hour, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of one minute, ask a person who missed their flight.
To realize the value of one second, ask a person who survive in an accident.
To realize the value of one millisecond, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics. Therefore, in my opinion, I think Japanese people value every second they have and it maybe one of determinants for their success.

4. A strong collaboration between Public and Private Sector
Another determinant of Japanese success is that there is a strong collaboration between public and private sector in attempting to develop its economic growth and other policy implementation. Though business mindset is always for profit, there is also for national interest, especially after the WWII where the country needs internal spiritual support. The government adopted policies to support business transaction at the same time to sustain people’s interest, whereas the business sectors incorporate government policies for country development. For example:

Environment Law—Law on Recycling of Specified Kinds of Home Appliances: the purpose of the law is to take measures to appropriately and smoothly implement collection and recycling home appliances by retailers, manufacturers and importers, then to secure the appropriate disposal of waste and utilization of natural resources, and consequently to contribute to preservation of life environments and sound development of the national economy. There is a strong collaboration between the state, private companies and citizens as whole in making this policy work. Every market, restaurant, universities, as well as public places, there is always different kind of waste disposal and there are campaign run by supermarkets in reducing the plastic bags—My bag activity or “Say no to Plastic bag”. I think not only Japan but most developed countries have promoted the environmental friendly policies including the recycle projects. In contrast, the developing countries and LDCs are the countries who used resource inefficiently and no proper waste management.

5. Nationalism and Meritocracy
According to Standford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the term “nationalism” is generally used to describe the attitude that citizens of a nation care about their national identity and the actions that they take when seeking to achieve (or sustain) self-determination. Japan can be categorized as a country whose maintain its nationalism either through its cultural nature, political and economy form and historical destiny. War history indicates that Japanese nationalism provided a political and ideological foundation for the actions of the Japanese military like Bushido philosophy (the way of the warrior), denoting a coherent code of beliefs and doctrines about the proper path of the samurai. For economic point of view, though Japan adopts free-market economy system, there seems strong root of national tendency on local product rather than foreign imported products. Most products in markets are Japanese made. It may result from quality trustworthy and nationalism.

In addition, Meritocracy—a social system in which rewards and occupational positions are allocated justly on the basis of merit, rather than ascriptive factors such as class, gender, ethnic group or wealth—was widely employed in Japanese society, especially within its government system. Shibusawa Eiichi,a leading scholar who was invited to work for the new government with no condition or nepotism, is the best example of meritocracy system. Though Eiichi rejected this provision at the beginning due to his loyalty to his former government, he was convinced by a senior advisor who influentially stated that “Forget the past, think about current country demand for development.” It indicates clearly that the Japanese puts national interest before individual and political interest.

With all these five foundations—JAPAN— Japan could arrive this development stage. I therefore, believe that it is useful for other countries. Yet, it is important that the change agent starts from each individual citizen and then the country as the whole. “Be the Agent of Change."

Local Summer Festival_Moegi-en of Japan (August 09 2008)

2008-08-15T19:09:00.001+07:00

IUJ students with local Japanese people at Moegi-en, Japan

Japanese kids's drump performance

It was my great opportunity to be invited by the UMEX (UONUMA Association for Multicultural EXchange) to join the Summer Festival organized by Moegi-en, the nursing and personal care institution for the old aged people. As an international student from Cambodia, I found the Summer Festival was very unique and supportive for the old. The festival setting consisting of dancing and singing performance provided a rich culture and spirit of Japanese people in respecting the old and showed the talent of young Japanese performers. I was so impressed to see how local community could organize such a beneficial gathering—where the smiling faces of the young and the old appeared. In this regard, I could learn how local initiative contributes to social integration and harmony and it should be a good lesson-learnt for Cambodia and other countries. The more we can share and understand one another historical, social, cultural perspective, the more we are able to bridge the gap of misunderstanding and build a better and more tolerant global society, not just from an Asian perspective, but from all global perspective.

IUJ students and UMEX staff

Bokor National Park Should be Preserved

2008-07-14T20:04:00.007+07:00

Author: Chak Sopheap

Bokor National Park
Should be Preserved and Promoted for Tourist Attraction

(source: http://kampot.sihanoukville-cambodia.com/images/arne/churchfog2.jpg)

Referring to recent Articles on the “Government Authorizes Development in Bokor Park”, Cambodia Daily, Monday, I am deeply concern about natural resource management and environmental protection in Cambodia, once there will be development of palm oil and cassava plantations and livestock farms within the Bokor National Park. These development activities will affect both beauty and quality of land and the environment as well as the national resource over there.

I visited Bokor National Park once and I found this place is a rich natural sightseeing and one of the most attractive tourist destinations regardless its infrastructure is yet improved. It was my first time in my life to see dark forest covered by huge trees and diversified natural combination. I was expecting that this wonderful Bokor National Park would be preserved and included in the government agenda for tourist attraction as Angkor Wat Temple or Sihanouk Ville. Yet, the recent authorization of the government over the commercial plantations to a private company makes this expectation uncertain and doubt the future of Bokor beauty which can contribute much to national income through its tourist zone.

In fact, I strongly support the government plans for country development and recognize the effort of the government in promoting investments for economic growth. However, such development should precede legal means and long-term national interests as stated in article 8 of the 1996 Law on Environmental Protection and Natural Resource Management, which reads: “The natural resources of the Kingdom of Cambodia, which include land, water, airspace, air [ …] shall be conserved, developed, and managed and used in a rational and sustainable manner”. I therefore would like to appeal to the government to reinforce this law and ensure that any development projects would not harm to our natural resources.

Cambodian Government Authorizes Development in Bokor Park

2008-07-14T17:42:00.001+07:00

"reprinted with the permission of The CAMBODIA DAILY."

Advertisement should be monitored

2008-05-10T16:31:00.000+07:00

Advertisement should be monitored

In the past history, Cambodia experienced many political regimes in which democracy and freedom of expression were dangerously flouted and even completely repressed. At present since the Peace Accord signed in 1991, Cambodia has had a so-called "free" press for Asia with pluralistic media emerged. Today a growing number of print media hits the newsstands and the broadcast media fill the air and both media are competing in the market place. I acknowledged the government effort in improving the press rights and urged for further attempt for press freedom.

In stead of censoring on political related information, I suggest the government, especially the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Information, to monitor on advertisement as mainly aired on TV. In that, I noticed a recent advertisement for Susuki Viva 2009 is problematic. This advertisement appears to target on sexy girls rather than on the Motor; its content is not consistent and affect the Khmer Culture and disvalue the woman. Accordingly to the Press Law Article 14 states, “the press shall not publish anything which may effect the good customs of society, primarily….drawings or photographs depicting human genitalia or naked pictures, unless published for educational purposes…”. I supported the Prime Minister’s intervention earlier on a Beer advertisement, which depicted the sex encouragement. Therefore, I appeal for this measure to be continued and it should be a systematic mechanism of responsible ministries rather than individual [the prime minister] statement only.

Development Shadowed the Key buildings

2008-04-21T09:25:00.003+07:00

Development Shadowed the Key buildings

Photo taken by Sopheap:
Standardized buildings surround the old stadium

“The gun’s cannon is broken” is a good sign of peace initiative. As we have already known, Cambodia had suffered from the two decades of the Khmer Rouge dictatorship, genocide and civil war. Therefore, this broken-gun sign will be a reminder to leaders and citizen to avoid violent conflict. What is more interesting about this sign, it is located at the center of the main roads to reach the Japan-Cambodia Relation Bridge (called Spean Chroy Chanva); the Monivong Boulevard; and Toul Kork Athena, where people pass by everyday. Across that sign, we can see standardized apartments built around the Old Stadium. Similarly, we can see the same image at the New Olympic Stadium where it is surrounded by business buildings.

At a glance, government and people claim it as a city development after peace exists. However, it reveals of unsustainable development. A development can be sustainable unless it gives equal value to economic, political and social-environmental arena; especially, the value to the next generation.

I myself witnessed the beauty of the Old and New Stadiums once there were no any buildings blocked the view. Even we did not enter into the stadiums we still could see athletes, football players, and both young and old people did exercise, and other sport activities. Such views provided us externality benefit. On the contrary, we can no longer see this view, but the tall buildings that shadow the whole stadiums. It is very unfortunate for the young and national image.

Raising this issue is not to against city development, but to suggest for a sound sustainable development from which our young generation will also benefit and national interest is taken into consideration at the first stage.

Thanks to Lz and Shannon for donation to YNC

2008-02-17T13:02:00.004+07:00

Squid Rosenberg: Lz and her mom, Shannon, visited Cambodia
in January with kind heart to help Cambodian kids!

Squid Rosenberg: I and Shannon at CCHR,
after receiving $250 donation from her campaign.

I would like to thank to Lz and her mom who were traveling to Cambodia in January, 2008. Before they arrived to Cambodia, they had launched a fund raising campaign to help Cambodian kids. They had raised $ 250 to donate to my Youth Network for Change (YNC), a voluntary youth network whose mission is to work closely with rural community to equip disadvantaged Cambodian children with practical knowledge, skills, and goals to make empowering life decision.

Lz is just a young girl but I feel she is mature enough to humanitarian works with her kind committed mom.

Last but least, I would like to thank to Lz and her mom, Beth (who introduce me to Shannon), and to every individual who donated to the Campaign. I am sure YNC will able to organize next event to rural community with this donated fund. We will keep all you updated.

Democracy Must Protect Basic Necessity of Access to Housing

2008-02-17T12:42:00.001+07:00

Opinion Letter to the Cambodia Daily
Published on Wednesday, February 13, 2008
By: CHAK Sopheap

Democracy Must Protect Basic Necessity of Access to Housing

A democratic government refers to a government’s system which majority concern is seriously taken account. Yet it does not mean that minority voices or concerns are to be ignored. However, I am skeptical about how Cambodian government perceives the nature of democracy and their treatment regarding citizens’ human rights, after reading the government spokesman’s response to the Amnesty International’s call on eviction cases (“Group: Gov’t Obliged to Protect Evictees”, Cambodia Daily, Monday February 11 2008, page 31).

The Spokesman claimed that “there might be abuse, but it is not always abuse” and said only a small portion of the population is affected by force eviction and that among those were illegal squatters. Consider ourselves to be among the affected portion of the population--we would be miserable.

Beyond that, I am concerned that land grabbing and evictions have become the most widespread and pressing human rights problems in Cambodia. Most of the time, city development and illegal squatting area have been used as rational to back government’s actions to forcibly evict people. It is not mean that I do not support the government’s plans to develop country. But the government also has the obligation to protect and guarantee the rights of citizens to make a living and have access to housing.

People categorized as illegal squatters are not to be blamed. It is the government’s responsibility to reinforce the Land Law, hand land title to legitimate citizens without any delay, and display a commitment to anti-corruption efforts.

Finally, I appeal to Cambodian Government to comply with the instruments of housing rights and to extend these rights, as guaranteed by the Constitution and International Covenants, to every citizen regardless of their limited voice or status.

Law Needs to be Enforced at Boeng Kak

2007-12-28T10:08:00.000+07:00

Opinion Letter to the Cambodia Daily
Published on Friday, December 28, 2007
By: CHAK Sopheap

Referring to recent Articles on the Filling Boeng Kak Lake, Cambodia Daily, Wednesday and Thursday 2007, I am deeply concern about natural resource management in Cambodia. It is absolutely wrong, and dangerous for surrounding residents, once the company could proceed in its construction before the Environmental Impact Assessment has not been released.

More importantly, the agreement on filling the lake violated both 2001 Land Law, which states that “lakes are state public property and cannot be sold”, and Article 8 of the 1996 Law on Environmental Protection and Natural Resource Management, which reads: “The natural resources of the Kingdom of Cambodia, which include land, water, airspace, air [ …] shall be conserved, developed, and managed and used in a rational and sustainable manner”.

I would point to the good example of the government’s action over the Kob Srov Lake Case which resulted in the removal of Kandal provincial governor Khim Bo and his two deputies, and the demolition of the buildings. The government’s measures proved its accountability and receptiveness on the 1996 Law on Environmental Protection and Natural Resource Management, for which the government should continue this effort with other cases that abuse the law.

I would like to appeal to the government to enforce this law and ensure that any development projects be justified with both citizens' rights to development and the results of proper environmental impact assessments.

The End.

These are reference articles on the Lake Filling:

"reprinted with the permission of The CAMBODIA DAILY."

Cambodian Young Leader Summit

2007-11-27T13:10:00.001+07:00

Cambodian Young Leaders Summit
“Building a Strong Cultural, Intellectual and Spiritual Foundation for the Future”

“Cambodia has suffered deeply.

From deep suffering comes deep compassion. From deep compassion comes a peaceful heart. From a peaceful heart comes a peaceful person. From a peaceful person come a peaceful family and community. From peaceful communities comes a peaceful nation. From peaceful nations comes a peaceful world.”

- The Late Venerable Maha Ghosananda

It was great rare opportunity for young Cambodians to gather together to discuss on the current problems facing youths and to understand the important of its roles in building a strong cultural , intellectual and spiritual foundation for the future Cambodia. Thank to the Global Peace Initiative of women in partnership with Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association.

The forum itself did not only help to provide a platform for the young to discuss the issues, strengthening the network, but it also helped to envision our future plan. How many of us ever think of our future plan?
Honestly, I did not think too much in detail of it until I was asked to fill the form of this summit:

1/ What is your vision for the future of Cambodia?
2/ "Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Please briefly describe your personal and professional aspirations for the future."

I post this question to all of you and hope all of you who did not think for your future plan, please start from now, then u can direct your actions toward your aims.

Explore a Rural Cambodian Community

2007-10-30T09:54:00.001+07:00

Get Trapped by Kids’ Smile and Kisses

It was an early morning of Monday 29^th Oct 2007, when a group of youths from different institutions gathered in from of the University of Cambodia to depart for exploring a rural Cambodian Community in Kompong Speu province, organized by Youth Network for Change. This event would not be possible without friends' support and contributions. I therefore would like to thanks and appreciate their kinds.

After spending about 2-hour drive, we arrived the Orphan Care and Training Organization (OCTO) which is a center helping about 90 orphans whose parents were dying of HIV and these venerable kids are brought from other provinces such as Koh Kong, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom and where else. It is located in Deiambel 1 Village, Trengtroyeung commune, Phnomsruoch District, Kampong Speu province.

It was my amazing experience with these kids. Their faces were wearing love and hope. Without delaying, our members choose 3 or 5 kids to set up a group to be able to discuss and help to educate them on health and socio-cultural arena. Then we gathered in a whole group to reflect on our discussion. They are so brave, intelligent and quick learners. They could performed traditional dances and played the jokes very well. Comparing to other kids I have met during the community explorations, I could see the different is that these orphans are taken cared and well-trained. Yet, their teachers are the young voluntarily youths who are still in high school and coming from different provinces. It is another impressive appreciation to them who is devoting their effort and time to help kids.

Young Voluntarily Teacher, they are in grade 10, 11 and 12 of High School.

From this exploration, what impressed me the most and trapped me to plan visiting them again is:

Kids’ warming smile. I have never been asked by kids what my name is! I was so excited. It meant that they were proposing a communication without waiting to be asked. What is more connected to these kids, they treated us like a very-known sisters or brothers. They kept asking us when we would come again to visit them. They leave me kisses which I can say that it was the first kiss I had received without asking (Generally, we always ask kids to kiss us).

At the moment I enjoyed this feeling, I recognized that these orphans needs more cares and love. They were so happy to have us visiting and playing with. I understand how lonely they are. Therefore, I would like appeal to everyone to help to:

“Do Not Discriminate the HIV-infected Kids or Kids whose parents were dying of HIV/AIDs”. They are the same as other normal kids. They have heart and they deserve more care.

“Protect Yourself from HIV/AIDs”. “Do not leave your bad legacy for the burden of your kids”. If it is not for your sack, Please think of our poor kids!!!

It is so sad that this cute kid have to be burdened by his father's legacy!

Announcement: Trip to Kompong Speu

2007-10-24T09:51:00.000+07:00

Dear all,

Youth Network for Change (YNC), a voluntary youth network, would like to invite you to join our trip to Kompong Speu province to distribute the study material to orphans and to engage them to dialogs, so that they experience social discussion and involvement.

Community Event
When: Monday, 29 Oct 2007
Where: Orphan Care and Training Center, Phum I, Khum Treng Trayeung, Srok Phnom Srouch, Kompong Speu province. We will proceed our trip to Kirirom Resort for Lunch.
Who: YNC team and interested participants.
Sponsor: Fund raising.

I would be appreciate for your kind contributions either financial, material, and spiritual support to make this event possible. Please feel free to contact me or my team for furthered detail of our work. I also provide you the background of our team.

Bests Regards,

Sopheap Chak
Public Relation Officer,
Tel: 855-011 943 213
www.sopheapfocus.blogspot.com
Youth Network for Change (YNC)

Background of Youth Network for Change (YNC):

The Youth Network for Change was established in 2006 to counteract these trends by facilitating dynamic social development in Cambodia’s poorest regions. Through outreach programs, cultural exchanges, and educational initiatives, we hope to lift rural Cambodian youth out of poverty and into sustainable careers.

Vision

We envision a Cambodian society fueled by knowledge and compassion, wherein all Cambodians have access to life-enhancing opportunities.

Mission

In working closely with rural communities, we equip disadvantaged Cambodian children with the practical knowledge, skills, and goals to make empowering life decisions.

Objectives

· To foster educational outreach by procuring study materials to underprivileged youths, and by educating them in the prominent social and ethical issues of our time.

· To strengthen communication between teenagers, young children, and their communities.

· To encourage young people to reflect on their ability to facilitate positive social change.

Activities:

Community Event brings students from various universities to distribute study materials to rural children, to educate them the social matters, and to guide them in envisioning their future. This also aims to help urban university youth understand agrarian livelihoods, to contribute to the educational needs of rural students, and to engage in cultural exchange.

Normally, there are around 30-50 youths from various universities attending the programs. Youth Network for Change utilizes a discussion model during events in which university students disseminate in groups educational, cultural and social issues.

The Network has conducted seven events in Kompong Speu, Koh Kong, Takeo, Prey Veng, and Ratanakirri.

Learning and Teaching Methods for Self-Development

2007-10-21T09:16:00.000+07:00

Saturday should be a free day! My mum said:)

Though, I decided to join a meeting organized by Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) of Cambodia. It was a gathering of International Academy for Leadership in Germany’s Alumni and other interested guests from governmental and non-governmental organizations, especially, the academic institutions. Thanks FNF for proposing this meeting.

Between that, I appreciated Dr. Yang Saign Koma’s presentation on “Learning and Teaching Methods for Self-Development”. He provided 7 inspiring concepts:

1. “Learn for yourself, not for others”

2. “No one can teach you unless you are willing to”

3. “Do not only try to learn by heart”

4. “Do not only focus on a specific skill, but other social skills”

5. “Try to work and learn in team”

6. “Learn from others, especially the experienced and inspirable figure”

7. “Teach other of what you have learnt”

Dr. Yang Saign Koma

President of CEDAC

Former FNF PHD Scholarship holder

What are the concepts about? What have I had learn?

1. The more we learn, the more we know. It is a way to improve ourselves through learning. Do not wait other to order or ask you to read or study hard. Be proactive!

2. Grammatically, “Learn” is a verb. So we need to do an action. Unless we commit ourselves to learn, it is useless for others to push us. Only when we are willing to do so, we can achieve it.

3. There are three learning style: learning by heart, learning by practice, and learning by analytical thinking. Currently, our education system is adjusted to learning by heart. Therefore, it is necessary that we should change our attitude to be more proactive and critical thinkers.

4. Try to read more and be aware of general knowledge rather than sticking to a point of view.

5. “Many heads are better than one”. Our plan is kept improving by sharing with others. Also we can build our social communication and characters. Competency without Character, we fail. But Competency with Character, we will achieve our goal.

6. A model or a public figure can help to inspire our life. For example, there are two inspiring models of mine. One is the King Javaraman VII who had high leadership and spiritual commitment to his own people. Another one is Gandhi. His concept of “Non-Violence” and struggling character impressed me the most.

7. Try to build leaders surrounding you. Do not afraid that others will be better than you. It will not decrease your ability, but it even help to improve your knowledge and capacity. We will create a multiplied impact.

Question of thoughts from the training:

- What do you see differences between (8+2 = 10) & (10 = 8+2)?

- What have your teachers teach you? And what have you had learnt from them?

- Asked yourself what do you want to see yourself in the next 10 years?

Honor Killings: Gender and Universal Human Rights

2007-10-16T13:13:00.000+07:00

It comes to my interest on gender issue with universal rights.
Is there universal rights recognized by all people?
This question have been raised since I had taken a study course on Human Rights and my involvement with human rights work.

On July 17 2006, there was a news report on Honor Killing! This incidents occurred in Turkey:

"Kill yourself and clean our shame or we will kill you first"
"Families of disgraced girls are choosing between sacrificing a son to a life in prison by designating him to kill his sister or forcing their daughter to kill themselves", once she was accused of shaming the family.

Again, the incident was reported on BCC News on Oct 12 2007: Honour crime fear of Syria women.

" But don't come now, or the family will definitely kill you"

It show a conflict of culture set with universal declaration. According to the Universal declaration on human rights, mainly Article 2, 3, and 5 states that:

Article 2. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, [.....].
Article 3. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Article 5. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

How can we make the universal rights be a universal acceptance?
First, I am sure that political willingness and commitment to respect the universal rights will be the first prioritized, then it can be the basis for any local law setting. Law without implementation is useless. So, there is a need to disseminate and educate people, especially the executive branch. I agree that culture is a strong belief for which we find difficult to change.
Though, it is not static. It keep changing from time to time. Hence, once we agree to universal setting of human rights regardless of sex or other criteria, we can create a culture of human rights. Do not you all think we can have a culture of human rights?

Cambodians Gathering for Non-violent Action in Burma

2007-09-30T07:27:00.000+07:00

The world is standing with Burmese people

Through networking and assisting of advanced technology including internet and telephone, people had disseminated message around to respond to the violent crackdown on Burmese protestors who have been suppressed by its military-ruled government.

“In support of the incredibly brave friends in Burma: May all people around the world wear a red shirt on Friday, Sep 28. Please forward”

“We will have gathering at 2pm in front of Burmese Embassy, please join and forward to many as possible”

“We are planning a prayer on Saturday at 11am in front of Angkor for the Burmese with delegates from at least 20 countries. Join us and spread the word”

These messages were spread around and it did happen. In the afternoon of September 28, around 100 people including Burmese with red shirt gathered in front of the Burmese Embassy in Phnom Penh. The event was coincident with other movements around word. Even the God could not stay clam--It was raining on the day that helped to bind people to stay close together under the plastic rainy coat. Though raining and restriction from the police not to come close to the Embassy, people insisted to give a statement to the Burmese Ambassador demanding peace and non-violent act for the Burmese Protesters.

Phnom Penh: People gathered in front of Burmese Embassy, photo by Sopheap

Mean Lux, who i took his picture from behind, helped to spread the message for Red-shirt today

Honestly, it was my first experience to gather for international sack for peace. I was so excited to join the event since I have known two Burmese friends who got exiled due to their work for human rights. Somehow, once I was told that they could not reveal themselves as human rights activists and they could not even return to their home—Burma—I was shock and I feel a little bit lucky that Cambodian situation is not worse so and I do hope that the Cambodia government will prove its real commitment for democracy and development. i just found that Beth has wrote me a post about the event.

In addition, on Saturday in front of Angkor, national and international delegates of “ASEM Seminar on Human Rights: "Freedom of Expression", organized by Asia-Europe Foundation were gathering and preying for Burmese people. Yellow ribbon which is used as symbol for freedom of expression and peace were distributed during the event. They also issue a statement, condemning the violence that has claimed the lives of demonstrators. To read more , please click here.

Last but not least, I do hope that the world responds will help to relieve the situation and it is very important that ASEAN and UN should play its role. Again, The world movements were shown clearly that Burmese people is not alone.

Thanks Blogher n Techsoup

2007-09-29T09:43:00.000+07:00

Though it is a little bit late to say thank to Blogher and Techsoup through Beth who brought me a nice bag and shirt during the 2007-August Clogger summit in Cambodia, it is worth that i say now.

I have just started to use Blogher's bag on Thurday last week after my own bag was damaged by a mouse. I forget a cake in it then it became the party's cake for the mouse:)

Khmer Rough Tribunal Will End with Unjust History

2007-09-25T08:17:00.000+07:00

It was not surprising if foreigners could give detail of the Khmer Rough Regime while the young generation of Cambodia could not even know if this inhuman regime ever exists, so that the news of Noun Chea’s arrest is not gain much popularity among them (“Arrest Prompts Int’l News Frenzy, Shrugs at Home”, Cambodia Daily, Friday page 1). This is due to the fact that Cambodian school children are taught almost nothing about its own country’s dark period history after almost thirty years of the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge as the subject is sensitive among political groups.

Fortunately, A History of Democratic Kampuchea, written by Khamboly Dy, a Cambodian writer, provides a step toward educating the nation about the murderous regime as the Education Ministry approved the book as a "core reference" material for history textbooks but not as part of the core curriculum. Though, the scope of the textbook is limited and controversial in naming individuals involving in the regime, characterization of the massive movement against Khmer Rough, and unclear interpretation of a long-standing political debate in Cambodia over whether Vietnam liberated or invaded the country when it ousted the Khmer Rouge. Therefore, it is still skeptical for the young generation to the truth about Khmer Rouge.

At the same time, the establishment of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC, popularly known as the Khmer Rouge Tribunal) was hoped to bring justice, the truth, and reconciliation for the victims and survivors of the Khmer Rough. Though, it is questionable how this expectation will be met as the scope of the trial its self is limited. Only the local and few high-level leaders committed the genocide will be brought to sentence while there were other international countries and other potential criminals had involved. To what extend that the trial served as the model for independent court system as corruption and nepotism have gradually occurred almost everywhere.

Then it is still doubtful about the truth of the Khmer Rough Regime even after the Khmer Rough Tribunal has been conducted. At the same time, if the history page is ended by this tribunal, the national history will be unjust and mislead the next young generation.

It is my personal point of view as a young generation who was born far after the KR period. How is about you? What do u think?

Have your say on "International Day of Peace"!

2007-09-21T08:12:00.000+07:00

"An eye for an eye, and soon the whole world is blind", Mahatma Gandi.

This is a quote from Gandi's movie which i watched it again and again. The movie was used as the tool for leadership and Conflict-resolution training i had attended. I agreed it is a useful tool. From that, it shows how importance of peace is. Therefore, i raise his quote to join celebrate the today "International Day of Peace". Let's the world living in peace and respect the humanity.

Today's world event is shown us that Peace is jeopardized, either by human being or act of god. Peace is not only the absence of war but a state of harmony.

Without Peace, Development is hardly achieved. One country's instability is a threat for all. Do not you all think that peace is universal?

What is Art, anyway?

2007-09-14T17:50:00.000+07:00

Art is everything around people’s lives. Compared to life, Art seem to be a breath in which cannot be absent for human being. The way we dress, speak, behave or decorate is the process of how Art works. With art, the life become more wonderful and prosperous; in contrast, the life will be nothing. Can you imagine how the world will be if there is no art? Your response will be contributed to define the word “Art”.

Mr. Pek Sothy

Age: 21

Relation: Friend

Art is an object that makes a society lives with culture and civilization. Every daily activities of human being need art in order to decorate the life. Without art, life means nothing. Therefore, Art is very important for all living things not for human being only. A mountain, for example, still has grass growing over to make it look beautiful or it will be a mountain that others will never have a look on. Also, all kinds of animal have their own art differently.

Mr. Krouch Chheoun

Age: 62.

Relation: Uncle

Art refers to the picture in which reflects the social lives like speaking, dressing, behaving and educating. Art is occurred differently from one society to another society. The different of human being from animal is that there is no art in the animal group. Why? Because art is the creative thinking of humans and the way that animal behaves is from the natural intrinsic. However, it is very simple if there is no art refer to the people personality that view art as a simple thing but it will be very difficult for all those who view art as a crucial thing for their lives.

Ms. Leoun Phalleng

Age: 32
Relation: Colleague

After having interviewed the three people opinions, there are different views on what art is. In my opinion I define art as “the structure that decorates the world to be strange, powerful, and beautiful. Every day, art plays important role in serving the people’s contribution, involvement, and enjoyment. The life will be sadness or less meaningful if there is no art along with. Therefore, art must be taken attention or focused on more in order to improve the quality of life.”

How about you? let give the floor on definition of art and its benefit.

The 10th Asian Cartoon Exhibition: Asian Environmental Issues

2007-09-14T17:39:00.000+07:00

The 10th ASIAN CARTOON EXHIBITION - “Asian Environmental Issues”

17th -29th September, 2007 (08:00～18:00)
[23rd, 24th Sept,2007 (closed)]

Place: Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC), Lobby Hall
In the campus of RUPP, Russia Blvd, Khan Tuol Kork, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Co-organized by Japan Foundation and CJCC
Supported by Embassy of Japan, JICA, Japanese Association of Cambodia (JAC)

「The Japan Foundation has been holding The Asian Cartoon Exhibition every year since 1995 in various countries, employing the friendly medium of cartoons for introducing Asian societies, cultures, and peoples’ ways of life from various perspectives. And this is a first exhibition in Cambodia.

The theme for this year is “Asian Environmental Issues”. The burdens placed on the environment have serious consequences not only for us living in Asian nations but also everybody all over the world and the entire world needs to tackle them as a shared responsibility. In this exhibition, 10 leading cartoonists from 10 Asian nations namely Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam have produced a total of 77 new works depicting the environmental as well as for promoting our awareness about our shared responsibility.」

While producing works on the environmental problems characteristic of each nation, the various cartoonists flavored them with unique senses of humor and satire. Hoping you could find the works amusing and insightful into Asian society, culture, and ways of living, as well as potent food for thought.

Please visit at www.cjcc.jp for furthered information.

Senior Project Deadlock!!!

2007-09-13T14:29:00.000+07:00

Deadlock is political term, like political deadlock!
Now i used this term with myself.

I do not know what to answer my friends asking how is my senior project for an Economics degree. Once i told them that i am stuck with it, they did not believe me! It is very hard to convince them. They keep thinking i was one of top students in the class. The more they said that to me, i feel even shameful to myself...What can i do if i really feel stuck with it?

Who is the world's richest?

2007-09-07T17:42:00.000+07:00

On 8th August 2007, Fortune magazine reported that Carlos Slim had overtaken Bill Gates as the world's richest man. Carlos Slim's estimated fortune soared to US$59 billion, based on the value of his public holdings at the end of July. Microsoft founder Bill Gates' net worth was estimated to be at least US$58 billion.

Carlos Slim is Mexico's Monopoly. It's hard to spend a day in Mexico and not put money in his pocket. The 67 year old tycoon controls more than 200 companies-he say he "lost count";...As one Mexico City eatery jokes on its menu: "This restaurant is the only place in Mexico not owned by Carlos Slim". (Cambodia Daily, David Luhnow, August 18-19 2007).

What is amazing about this news can be link to Tycoon Kith Meng who announced on Thursday August 30 2007 that there will be a joint venture with a Malaysian firm to bring the international fast food giant KFC to Cambodia. Probably people "lost count" on his business too: ANZ Bank, Telecommunication (Mobitel, Camsin and CTN TV channel), Lottery, Hotel Cambodiana Hotel).......now he will also invest in Restaurant (KFC).

Will building more universities help?

2007-09-07T10:01:00.000+07:00

Way to help for Job prospect:

Improve Educational System and Set up Internship Programs

I was skeptical to what the educational official claiming to avoid social problems resulting from youth unemployment was to open more private universities (Cambodia Daily, Friday Sep 07 2007, “Recent Graduates Find Job Prospects Are Bleak”). It means that we only focus on physical infrastructure rather than systems that help improving the students’ ability and morality. Even though we have million universities, it would not help to rectify the social problems and reduce unemployment rate if the systems of ignorance and poor quality of education still exists within the universities. The system of teacher-centered is still practiced and there is no mechanism to help envision these students. Most of graduated students even do not know what their specialization is, job market, and their future plan.

Setting up Internship program in university curriculum will help students to experience social works. The Education Department should attempt to cooperate with all universities to improve educational system and provide sufficient vocational training through internship program, so that students are capable to work effectively and efficiently after their completion. Ultimately, the end result is attributing to reduce unemployment and bring economic and social development.

Recent Graduates Find Job Prospects Are Bleak

2007-09-07T09:53:00.001+07:00

This article is reprinted with the permission from The Cambodia Daily. No part of this periodical may be reproduced in print or electronically, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without written permission from the publisher of the Cambodia Daily. Copyright 2007 by The Cambodia Daily.

What can a picture tell us?

2007-09-05T18:03:00.000+07:00

This picture was taken on July 20, 2006 when the heavy raining made the street in flooding.

With heavy rain for these few days and the street were flooding, i remembered the above picture. Though it was taken since 2006, we still can see the same thing in 2007. What can this picture tell us?

Steve Goodman said a picture is worth more than a thousand words. I agreed with him. This single picture presented a fact of government's failure in managing the sewage system ( many analysis pointed beyond the fact of filling up the lakes and new constructions blocked the sewage). What more?

The picture showed a comparison of the poor and the rich. At a glance, the Cyclo driver and Landcruiser driver were both protected from raining while the cyclo driver wearing his raining coat. Though, the comfortability is completely different. Does it show another failure of government in reducing poverty?

What else can you tell from this picture?

Bloggers Open a Digital Window on Cambodia

2007-09-04T08:21:00.001+07:00

Cambodian Bloggers Summit-2nd Day

2007-09-03T08:38:00.000+07:00

The second day of Clogger Summit was very interactive since there were many participatory-approach sessions. Though the morning sessions were too much technical orientations, it was very informative and beneficial for bloggers to upgrade their blog through new tools they had learnt from this summit such Video blogging; Pocasting, Wiki, and Free Open Source Software. My stomach was crying as the summit had delayed till 12.30pm

The afternoon session was very joyful since all participants presented their talents in role play connecting in IT-Blog matters. Btw, there were group discussion on various topics (see agenda) and I myself facilitated Gender Blogging discussion.

Happy Dinner with the best menu

2007-08-31T12:04:00.000+07:00

It was a joyful dinner party yesterday after attending a whole-day summit.
Though it was raining, our group consisting of Preetam, Emily, Tharum, David, Pagna, Beth, Virak, and me managed to get on Tuk Tuk to reach the 54 Restaurant. Thanks Tharum who was very talent in bargaining with Tuk-Tuk driver.

Once we arrived there we met other people including the famous guy Phatry Derek Pan, who accompanied by Srey Nim, then Lux, and clogger teams came later. The meat was so good, but it was not good as fried ants which were the best menu for these guys:

Geoff, David, Preetam, and Tharum said:
Please come and try this menu!!!

With David's persuasion, Beth had a taste too. Then, she tried to pretend that she eat Chicken...! For me, this menu was ok, but once i watched the Animal Planet program which aired at the corner of our table , i started to feel.......

Anyway, It was a wonderful dinner.

Cambodian Bloggers Summit

2007-08-31T08:37:00.000+07:00

Cambodian Bloggers Summit
August 30-31 2007

The first ever Cambodian Bloggers Summit is being held in Phnom Penh at Pannasastra University of Cambodia. It is also my first participation in technological event as I am not expert at all in this field --International Relations is my major. However, I found this summit was even more interesting and it did not only touch on technological arena, but also legal and social associated.

- After hearing the case study of Young Bloggers (Deedee who expressed her angle and aims in creating the blog); “Citizen Journalism Vs Main Stream Media” panel discussion gave more thoughts on how blogs help to provide a space for journalists and the obstacle for them to access to blog (include language, internet cost, IT skill, and media freedom barrier). Though the panel raised matters of professionalism and rumor, it is questionable to have cyberspace law. At one point, some participants suggested that there must be law to rule the way of expression through blog to prevent misconducts; however, the experience of media restriction (through legal measures such as defamation, disinformation and other forms of threats) proved that the law will be the obstacles for bloggers.

- Next, Cyber Cambodian topic was discussed. Obstacles and measures to make the cyberspace available to everyone were elaborated through 5-point recommendations: (1) Government Policy—lowering the tax on IT materials import and internet service providers (2) Law—to guarantee and protect the rights of users (3) Infrastructure—adjust the rural and urban facility, even concerning to electricity accessibility and affordability (4) Content—make it easy for all users, language choices for example. Remarkably, the panel also pointed out the benefit of blogging for parliamentarians (especially for opposition party whose freedom of expression is also challenged).

- E-community: Mostly I heard about E-commerce, but now I learn new word of E-community. Thanks Mr. Chanthan for giving information on how E-community work and Phatry for sharing the KhmerConnection which is the e-community of Khmer-American where they can share value, information and keep connected.

- Social Web-Web 2.0 (Five Steps to Khmer 2.0) was presented by Beth Kanter. It was very interactive presentation and a lot of information sharing on how to find bloggers and specific topic through Technorati, what is the use of Tags, del.icio.us, and creative comment license. Beth raised a good and tasty example of Prohoc (Khmer food) to make audience understand and follow her instructions.

- Group Discussions: It was a little bit crowded before groups could be set up, until we can find a way to divide participants into groups—through asking them to gather according to their day of birth (as we required to have 7 groups, so as there are 7 days per week, it is perfectly settled). Interestingly, Friday’s group gained more members while Wednesday-Thursday-Sunday had to mix up, so we could only have 5 groups. The topic we discussed: (1) How to make a good blog? (2) Cyber Safety (3) Team Blogging -- I was in this group; Firday’s group (4) Self-Censorship (5) Internet for what?.

- Debate on whether it is better to blog in Khmer or English. Sala (Khmer blog advocacy) was trying to convince everyone to blog in Khmer for the culture reason (Use Khmer language is the way to preserve Khmer culture); language barrier (many Cambodians could read and blog in Khmer if we could not understand English). Though Preetam somehow nodded his head when listening to Sala’s defense (the sign of agreement), he draw strong arguments that English blogging can reach large audiences which it will not be only read by Khmer by the world. Also he gained a lot of voices from participants who prefer to blog in English. They both convinced me to upgrade my blog in both languages and I hope to have my blog be visible in Khmer language in future.

Wow, I feel I learnt a lot from a whole day workshop. I whish to hear from other bloggers to share their idea or add to what I have mentioned. In addition, I would like to raise 2 issues:

- How we ensure the cyberspace as freest form of communication if the press law or/and disinformation and defamation are also applied?
- Concerning to geographic and accessibility, how we ensure that cyberspace is justified for social equity?

My Community Image

2007-08-24T14:48:00.000+07:00

Quoted from Planner Diary 2007 of ILO-WEP

2007-08-23T12:14:00.000+07:00

"The starting point of all achievement is desire. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desire brings weak results"

"Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success"

"Great things are accomplished by talented people who believe they will accomplish them"

"When you blame others, you give up your power to change"

"Failure is success if we learn from it"

"When work is pleasure, life is a joy! When work is a duty, life is slavery"

"Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success"

The one in red color is my favorite slogan. Plus it is meaningful: WWC--World WC

Honor Killings: Honor Suicides

2007-08-22T08:16:00.001+07:00

This is an old article, but the issue itself is worth for debate.

Adovocacy Campaign against Gender-Based Violation

2007-08-21T11:12:00.000+07:00

Violence against women is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation. And it is
perhaps the most pervasive. It knows no boundaries of geography, culture, or wealth. As long as it continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality, development, and peace. —UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, 1999

What is Gender-Based Violation?

“Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life”. --UN Declaration on Violation Against Women.

Is Gender-Based Violation is private or public matter?

“Until recently gender based violence (GBV) was viewed as a private or family matter. However, there has been a shift in thinking in the last few years about this topic and it is now viewed as both a public health problem and a human right violation”. Practical Guide Approach to GBV/ UNFPA, Pilot edition 2001, NY

A role play of an Advocacy Campaign

Here is advocacy campaign presentation by diversified participants from the 2007 International Human Rights Training Program, organized by Equitas, Canada.

Your wife is not your property!!!
Please think "Your wife is your life partner"

Please respect her rights to say NO!!!

Police will laugh when a woman run to them and complained that her husband rapped her.
But it should not be fun at all. It is the appeal for help to stop Marital Rape!!!

Join Hand to Make our Environment Clean

2007-07-30T16:32:00.001+07:00

One of things that people have ignored:

Do you like this kind of view?
The waste have been thrown at the resort area after the visits.

Social responsibility and morality should be strengthened:

Most people just throw their waste on the way by car and to the public area

This image shows how people acknowledge the resort they have visited

One night after the concert

Ask your self: Am I part of problem or solution?

Please change your attitude and inform other about the problem

The people aware of the problem and its impact,
our country will be prettier!!!

Please help to keep our environment clean!!!
Once we have environment clean, our community will live in healthy and happy life!!!

Please note that the above slide presentation is not prepared by me, i would like to use this unnamed-author useful message for the sake of our environment clean.

Bye and Thank to John and Vidal

2007-07-27T09:00:00.000+07:00

Hehehe, when i see your picture, it reminds me the day at the Ramchange Restaurant.

I could not help to laugh when Will, Britist Intern, tried to learn how to eat Banchheave in Khmer style , while John was very professional in doing so....Looking at Vidal, he was trying to complete his plate ; he was defensive when i teased him to think how waste it was if he could not finish his food...

With helmet on the head, John was ready to leave us...while Vida still enjoyed his music...

It is my pleasure to meet and work with both of you. Your effort is really helpful and contribute to the success of our organization... and filled the joyful environment. Thanks and wish you all the best!!!

PMT Must Own Up if Safety Issues Let to Fatal Aircrash

2007-07-26T09:54:00.000+07:00

Opinion Letter to the Cambodia Daily
Published on Wednesday, July 25, 2007

BY: CHAK Sopheap

When I heard the news of last month's plane crash in Kampot province, I had many considerations, including my safety back home as I was out of country, and sympathy for the victims' families. At the same time, I wondered how the incident occurred.

According to South Korea's Yonhap News agency, South Korean government air inspectors have found safety problems with PMT Air, ("PMT, Royal Khmer Airlines dispute Safety Report," Tuesday, page 16). I am curious to know if it is an accurate report.

However, for a PMT official to argue in the article that the accidents do not only happen in Cambodia is unjustified and irresponsible.

I would like to appeal for the change of this attitude.

Friday July 20th 2007 Special Event

2007-07-23T17:36:00.000+07:00

I was a little bit out of news and contact for while since my sister got married. Before Friday July 20th, it was such a terribly busy and tired day as i was ousted from the room where i used to be with my sister. But now, she needs to replace another one:).....I had to grab all my study, work, and consumable stuff out of the room as soon as possible to my newly tiny room.

Then on Friday July 20th, the wedding ceremony started. It was a great day while my parents was fearing that there would be rainning as it is rainy season. Luckily, God helped!!! No rain on the wedding's day but after the wedding, there was a heavy raining...so i could not help to believe the fortune teller who help setting the date <> .

Well, i could not help to feel pity for the couple since they had to do many activities complying to the traditions. From the morning at 4am, they had to be maked up and started the cremony till the night around 10pm...though, they will enjoy their couple life after that

In sum, it was tired but joyful day. There were some funny things occured before the day and after that such my friends was shocked when i handled the wedding's invitation to them....they thought that it was my wedding:) Some of my friends were teasing me when i am going to be married!!! Some said that i should not wait for the guy to come but i can come to them as it is 2007....hehehe, i strongly agree...and encourage other women to do so:)

ok that's it for today....enjoy the picture!!! and

here is my sister and her couple

hehe, my dear cute friends....Ramana, Cheata and Pagna..
I was so surprising to see them in a well-dressed!!!

hehe, look at this guy, Nara, DJ. Pheara, Krak, Sopheak and Tyta
They are really great to be drunk!!! chhing chang, shut ur mouth!!!

Religious Moral Issue: Tep vong Should Keep Monks in Line on Morals

2007-07-23T10:50:00.000+07:00

OPINION Letter to the Cambodia Daily
Published on January 12 2007
BY: CHAK Sopheap

I am not surprised that Great Supreme Patriarch Tep Vong has been accused of favoritism toward the ruling party, (Tep Vog Accused of Favoritism, Going Against Buddha," Tuesday, page 16).

Most of his orders are issued for the government's sake. These include his February 2005 ban on NGOs, particularly the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, from holding public forum in pagoda. Instead of thinking that they lead to chaos, it would be better for Tep Vong to view the forums as a peaceful means for people to appeal to the government about their needs.

But what concerns me the most is the recent decline of monks' morality. There has been much news about some monks having sex or watching pornography, or engaging in other misconduct. Tackling this should be top of Tep Vong's agenda.

I appeal to Tep Vong and other monks to maintain and promote monk's morality so the state religion is respected and valued. Monks should look back at their past roles in the development of their communities and of the country as a whole.

Uphold Justice: Big Penalty for Police Who Rape

2007-07-22T18:05:00.000+07:00

Published on Friday, December 29, 2006
Letter to the Editor
THE CAMBODIA DAILY

Though public servants are elected and delegated to serve and protect the people's interest, in most cases in Cambodia public servants work for their own interest, not for the people. This contradicts the univer sal slogan of "Government of the people, for the people, and by the people." In Cambodia, we may say "Government of the party, for its officials, and by the people." This is demonstrated in the case of the 12-year-old Siem Reap province girl who was allegedly raped by three police officers at their commune post. There seems no real commitment from either the provincial police or the court to perform their roles to bring the case to justice ("Police Yet to File Warrants on Alleged Child-Rapist" Dec 22, page 18). In many cases, justice can be bought for cash. In the Siem Reap case the father of one of the suspects tried to buy his son's way out of trial by offering the victim's mother $500. Is the girl's virginity-in a society that treats virginity as the most important thing worth this amount of money? I appeal to officials and the courts to take justice into consideration, and to double the punishment for those officials who are part of the executive body who violate the law. Impunity must be abolished otherwise the rule of law will not be respected.

Chak Sopheap
Phnom Penh

The Rights to Free Expression is Essential in a Real Democracy

2007-07-22T09:52:00.000+07:00

OPINION Letter to the Cambodia Daily
Published on September 01 2006
BY: CHAK Sopheap

It was unbelievable that the lawmakers voted for a new law allowing themselves to be charged with criminal offenses without their immunity first being lifted; ("Legislators vote to Limit their Own Speech," Thursday, page 1).

The right to free expression is fundamental to achieve real democracy, as stated in the Constitution and International Human rights conventions.

The new law will be used as a tool to silence parliamentarians. It is similar to the UNTAC Law on criminal defamation that was used to detain government critics late last year.

The new law seems to contradict the Constitution, which states that no assembly member shall be prosecuted, detained or arrested because of opinions expressed during the exercise of his or her duties.

How can parliamentarians exercise their duties when they fear arrest, especially when the law does not define what constitutes the abuses of an individual's dignity, social customs, public order and national security?

Democracy is uncertain for Cambodia.

The Problem of Corruption Runs Deep

2007-07-21T09:41:00.000+07:00

OPINION Letter to the Cambodia Daily
Published on June 05, 2006
BY: CHAK Sopheap

Corruption exists in all countries but it is in the developing world that is most destructive (Report: Firms See Judges as Most Corrupt", Thursday, page 1).

In a poor country like Cambodia, it threatens democratic institutions and fundamental rights and freedoms; it undermines socio-economic development and deepens poverty. It also provokes irrational decision-making and disrupts the development of the private sector, and undermines the environment for sustainable development. I was shocked that an Interior Ministry spokesman was quoted as saying that "corruption is not such a big problem".

Corruption continues partly because it is seen as normal by too many Cambodians. There is a lack of political commitment to encourage people to speak out about corruption and to hold authorities for it.

Though Prime Minister Hun Sen has declared "war" on corruption and an anti-corruption law has been proposed, there is still a question of when it will be enacted and whether it is effective.

Eviction Issue: Look to Root Casues of Riot At Tonle Bassac

2007-07-20T10:01:00.000+07:00

OPINION Letter to the Cambodia Daily
Published on June 05, 2006
BY: CHAK Sopheap

I write regarding "Villager Continue to Stake Out Tonle Bassac" (Friday, page 12).

With the arrival of rainy season, the situation of these villagers is terribly difficult. Their houses have been removed and NGOs are stopped from contributing food or tents to them. I wonder whey City Hall will solve such problems.

There should have been ready installed infrastructure at the relocation site and clear agreement among villagers before the relocation took place.

I was surprised to hear the Municipal Police Chief say that 10 people would be prosecuted for inciting the riot, and Deputy Municipal Governor Mann Chhoeun saying that villagers might be reeducated. What about the security guard who accidentally injured the 11-year old girl? Will there be any action taken about that?

Re-education will not solve the problem at all. We have to understand the root causes of the problem leading to the riot. Consider Maslow's hierarchy of needs; education is useless if people have no had their basic needs met (food and shelter).

I suggest that the municipality takes immediate action to find the location for those people, otherwise the situation will worsen. Also, please allow the NGOs to contribute support to the villagers if the municipality cannot meet their needs.

Debt-Ridden Economy Can't Grow

2007-07-18T17:27:00.000+07:00

Opinion Letter to the Cambodia Daily
Published on May 16, 2006
By: CHAK Sopheap

It was good news that the National assembly approved the national development planning strategy for 2006-2010, in which the main objectives are to reduce the poverty rate to fall to 25% and to lower the unemployment rate to less than four percent. (Development Planning Strategy Approved by NA," May 10, page 16)

However, I have doubts about the optimism raised by the CPP lawmaker Cheam Yeap, saying that "optimism attracts needed foreign funding". Also, "We should not be ashamed. The more [money], we can borrow, the better," he said.

How will the economy grow under huge public debt? Is the government attempting to find any strategy to reduce debt rather than striving for more?

Tribunal Judges Shouldn't need Redemption

2007-07-17T17:11:00.000+07:00

Opinion to the Cambodia Daily
Published on May 09, 2006

I was disappointed to read "KR Trial Will Redeem Judges: Spokesman" (Saturday and Sunday, page 3).

According to tribunal spokesman, the tribunal will offer Cambodian judges and prosecutors who have been criticized in the past the chance to rebuild their reputation. The spokesman added: "Whatever their past was, they cannot implement it here".

This shows they recognize the ineffectiveness of those people, but why are they being promoted to a court with international principles?

Psychologcial Domestic Violation is invisible???

2007-07-12T15:43:00.000+07:00

I was so impressed to see a movie broacasted on Cambodian National TV program on Gender Violation. It reminded me about the presentation on Gender-based violation organized by Equitas, in Canada, where a lady from Rawanda was invited to give her speech on her real rape case by the military officials.

In the movie, produced by Women Media Center NGO, it mentioned about a wife who was physically and psychologically violated by her husband. Though she was just dilivered the baby, she was rapped by her husband. At the meantime, the husband could not listen and feel her pain. Moreover, the husband tried to revenge his wife, who rejected not to sleep with, by bringing a prostitute girl to sleep at the house in front the sick wife. Without bearing more pain, the wife commited suicide, but she was survived by the commune chief and her neigbors. Though, the husband still could not see that he violated his wife's rigths and denied that he motivated his wife to commit suicide. Also, he claimed to deserve the rights as a husband, while the wife dared to express her feeling that she could not bear the pain anymore. She expressed that she thought that the husband's action and restriction her not to talk with other people or walk out of the house is a kind of love's jalous . But now she realized that it is not the case.

From the story, it reveals that most vulnerable women keep burden the rights violation due to the thought that their husband's action is a love force. At the meantime, it shows that psychological violation is invisible, but severe and longer pain than the physical violation.

The reason i share this story is that:
1. Short TV movie is effective tool to educate villagers.
2. With indirectly hightlight the role of commune chief in preventing domestic violation, it can contribute to good governace.
3. However, it still show that women issue is more often broadcasted by National TV program rather than other civil and political rights. Thought, we should use this opportunity to empower and improve women rights's situation.
To find more how women media center help to contribute to women rights's respect pls check http://www.wmc-cambodia.org/default.html

Job and Volunteer Opportunity

2007-07-12T15:22:00.000+07:00

For those who looking for job:

JOB AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) is a non-governmental, non-political and independent human rights organization that envisions a Cambodian civil society where human rights and democracy are fully respected and that the people enjoy the benefits of development to which they have fully participated. CCHR is seeking Cambodian citizens for the following positions:

Position: Project Assistant (Salary: USD 200-300/month)
Duties and Responsibility
The Project Assistant is responsible to draft project report and assisting administrative works and project activities.

Basic Qualifications and Criteria
Bachelor's degree or higher in Business Management or equivalent work experience.
Minimum of 2 years practical experience in the field of human rights or civil society works.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in Khmer and English (written and spoken)
Good reporting skills
Good skill in using Information Technology, basic software programs
Able and willing to travel to provinces
Able to work under pressure and in a multi-cultural environment

3 Volunteers needed for IT, Radio and Administrative Divisions
(No Salary, but there will be communication and travel honorarium)

IT: is responsible for updating website and IT technical works.
Radio's Airing program: is responsible to edit and air records of public forum, community dialogue and community hearing organized by CCHR.
Administration: assist administrative work.

Application Procedure
Those who are interested in the job are requested to submit application letter and CV with two recommendation letters to Cambodian Center for Human Rights at No. 19, Street 287, Sangkat Boeung Kak I, Khan Tuol Kork, Phnom Penh. Only short-listed candidates will be notified for interviews. CVs will not be returned.

Closing date: Friday, 20 July 2007 at 12pm

King Birthday--Trip to Indigenous Land

2007-06-30T09:38:00.000+07:00

Camping and Community Event in Ratanakirri
12-15 May 2007

Bordering Vietnam's central Highlands and Laos are the remote province of Ratanakiri, with thickly forested hilly terrain, hilltribe people, and abundant wildlife. Commercial enterprises in the region include logging, gem mining, and rubber plantations.

Over 80% of Ratanakiri's population of 72,000 is classified as hilltribe, mainly Jarai, Krunh, Brou, and Tampuan. The 12 ethnic minority groups are collectively called Khmer Loeu (highlanders), a name coined by Sihanouk in the 1940s.. Many also still wear traditional costume - Krung women in sarongs and bare-breasted, Brou women with tattooed faces and ivory tusk earrings in their elongated earlobes.

It was such exciting trip as all participants were looking forward and wish the departure day coming as soon as possible. There, we spent 3 nights and 4 days together with 63 youths to share knowledge as well as to experience the rural livelihood of indigenous community. Different from the camping to Kompong Speu where we spent a night at the top of the mountain, this ratanakirri camping was spent at the Tribal Hotel for security reason and health issue.

During the trip, we had debating session; meeting with CEDAC team; sightseeing; and more importantly, we could visit two schools and met the indigenous people.

Indigenous kids struggling for education...

indigenous people eagered to see the youth's activities.....

Look, what was he thinking of?....about his future, i guessed.

This is Sreng Sopheap's school project...he is committed to a better education for his community.

Group picture.........hey pagna, what were you thinking of?

Me having a sip of the amazing Rattanaki wine...come and taste with me!

To view pictures of community event, pls click here

Human Rights Day-Trip to Takeo

2007-06-30T09:22:00.000+07:00

I was so regret that I missed the community event in Takeo province as I was required to assist in organizing the 10 December 2006, Human Rights Day, for my center. Though, I was pleased to see some different aspects and high ranking officials' involvement.

Library: small but very comfortable

Teacher, Let me answer!!!

Ok, we will show you the map of Cambodia!

Phaoun, phaoun!!! Bong will show you how to greet in different circumstances!

Ah, we are girl band!

Thank to H.E Kol Pheng, Education Minister for attending this event!!!
Otherwise no media would cover up this activities.

Independent Day-- the trip to Preveng

2007-06-30T08:53:00.000+07:00

Nov 11^th 2006 was a remarkable day in Cambodia: 53^rd Anniversary of Independent Day! Beside, it was also significant day for our community event in Trabek district, Prey Veng province. Though we were stuck few minutes because of the Independent Day's ceremony, where our university located near the monument, we could leave after a while of negotiation with police.

Notably, Kompong Trabek Primary School- it is the only one main school where all the children in the six villages had to come for their study. There were approximately more than 2,000 primary school pupils. But owing to the big amount of students and there were not enough classrooms for the students to study, two school were built in the other two communes in the Trabek district. But unfortunately, Most of every year, the pupils cannot go to school during rainy season because of flooding. Due to these reason, our team choose to come to this province again.

Be independent from illiteracy!!! is my slogan to remark 53rd Anniversary of Independent Day in Cambodia.

Picture Evaluation

2007-06-29T14:35:00.000+07:00

( For Fun)
1. Strongly agree 2. Agree 3. Disagree 4. Srongly disagree

taken in front of a shop at Quebec city, Canada, June 16, 2007

Visak Bochea Day-- Camping to Chrey Hophnov Mountain

2007-06-22T10:51:00.000+07:00

The first camping event was organized to Chrey Hopnov Mountain, Kompong Speu province on Feb 03-04, 2006, Visak Bochea Day. At first, I was worried about gender balance as the trip would stay overnight. Based on Khmer culture, girls are restricted to stay outside overnight. But, I resisted and was ready to accept whatever amount of female attendant. Surprisingly, 37% female attended (13 female out of 35). It was not bad.

We left Phnom Penh at 3pm and arrived the location before 5pm when we could see the sunset from the top of the mountain.

After enjoying the view, we cleaned the resting area to have dinner and start our program: Gender films and discussion. The movies, donated by Women's Media Center, aimed to educate on gender discrimination and child rapping. We also raised some topics, such “Arranged married and Freed Married” to challenge and compare which one is better to apply in our society today. After discussion, we played a Welcome game which show how to welcome each other in different culture (Khmer, Japanese, Chinese, European country, etc.).

Though everyone had spent a lot time in travel and debate, we seemed not tired at all. Everyone still awaked till the morning as the group was dancing altogether.

In the morning, we packed our stuff and was ready to go to the Chrey Hophnov primary school.

The beauty of palm tree under the sunshine was very amazing to me!!!

Holocust Museum Visit

2007-06-19T11:56:00.000+07:00

Holocust museum Visit

museum itself was good. It does play role in (human rights) education. From perspective of Cambodia, where experienced genocide regime during 1970s, I could feel how people suffered from this Holocust. I could hardly believe that the same systematic genocides, which once took placed in Europe was happened again and again in other countries including my country, Cambodia which the same ignorant from international community. It proved already that there was no enough mechanism to prevent this event.

Therefore, it is good that the museum have been established in order to raise awareness on how human dignity and rights respects are needed. However, i feel under expectation since the museum itself seems like a documentation; I had expected that there would be constructions or designs which reflect the past event i feel the museum should conclude with all the genocide events , so that people would understand how one genocide is interacted or took the same model to another one in different countries, but the same root cause: Different political and cultural ideology created discrimination, racism, hatred, and genocide at the end.
Well, here is the picture taken at the museum:

"It is good to learn history,
but it is bad to let history repeat its self"

Unforgettable Memory

These candles represent the number of people
get killed during the holocust (one candle is 1 million persons)

IHRTP participants with one of the survivor of Holocust
(The lady in the middle named Litsley Irvy)

Daniel Roy, Equitas's Education Specialist, surveyed the feeling and understanding of IHRTP2007 participants on the Holocust museum.

All in all, It was good to Learn To feel and To Remember!!!
But Do Not Let the HISTORY repeated.

Comment from Pia:

Hi Sopheap - great blog!

I agree the museum is a great HR education tool both for adults and children, in that it is a good venue to explain the context, history, and experiences of a people whose rights were violated with interactive tools like dioramas, film, artefacts, photos, even games in some museums, etc…

see you (in our little apartment)!!!
Pia

Comment by Pia B — June 21, 2007

Queen Birthday--Trip to Prey Veng

2007-06-18T18:00:00.000+07:00

Queen Birthday, June 18 2006, was the national holiday but people were still operating their business. This was the busy Nak Leang Port, at Prey Veng province where we would proceed to a primary school for our community event.

Just the moment i expect that this trip would be wonderful, the 45-seat bus stopped on the main street and everyone wondered what happened. Then the driver came and told us that the bus could get through the small gate. Then our team had to walk about 3km distance to the school. Though we all had to carry the gifts and small trees, i still could see their smiling face and they even had time to chat together on the way.

Ah! it was raining; I realized that I forget to check with fortuneteller—Khmer belief to check for the best day to organize important events by asking the fortuneteller or the monks. Though it was the mixture of joyful as we was welcomed by the kids at Ta Ngok primary school, Preah Sdach district, Prey Veng province.

Then our event was preceded as we had done in previous event by raising awareness to kids about social issues and good morality, and then we ended the program by plating tree as symbol for environment protection and group picture:)

IHRTP2007--Training in Canada

2007-06-15T14:42:00.000+07:00

Where am I now?
08 June 2007

Hi friends,

Â I amÂ currently travelling to Canada for a training on International Human Rigths System. It is such a great opportunity for me to attend this course to which I can learnt the best practice and mechanism, so that I can use it to improve human rigths respect in our nation, Cambodia.

Â Traning alone is just the theory. Take it into action will prove such theory. Also, keeping it in oneself is just keeping money under the pillow. We need to utilize and share it for the sake of human resource development. Then, I will share you all how the training is being conducted, what are the lesson-learnt and how we can apply in our nation.

"Sharing Culture"

My training is started
14 June 2007

My training on International Human Rights, invited by EQUITAS, have been started.

The goal of the training is to strenghten the capacity of human rights organizatioin to undertake human rights education efforts aimed at building a universial culture of human rights. There are 8 stream to be covered:

Stream 1: Introduction; Stream 2: Starting from where we are; Stream 3: Buliding a Global Culture of Human Rigths; Stream 4: Seeking common ground; Stream 5: The Global Human Rigths context; Stream 6: Human Rights Standards and Mechanism; Stream 7: Monitoring and advocacy; and Steam 8: Education Evaluation.

There are 166 persons out of which 130 are participants coming from more than 60 countries including South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Caribean, Central Asia, Canada, and USA.

My First Labor Day: Trip to Kompong Speu

2007-06-01T08:44:00.000+07:00

My first involvement in Community Event was at Kompong Speu.
I believed the old saying that "the first experience is the most clumsy once".

After communicating with the primary school's principle by phone, i had done the announcement to classmates and professors that the school we were going to visit named "Sdach Poun", in khmer-The hidden King. So everyone, especially my History Professor, Sombo Manara, was wondering about the school's history: what was the school's connection with the king?
After all, i was misquoted the school's name when little kids recalled their school's name, Scach Poun, in khmer-The pile sand.

Luckily, May 1st 2006 was the International Labor Day, so many friends could join our event. With smiling face everyone was chatting and getting to know each other.

Suddenly, I felt shocked again when we arrived the school as the a little kids stood at the gate to welcome us as we are the high ranking officials. It was out of the agenda and i never ever wish to have such arrangement. "Everyone is equal", so i do not prefer such arrangement.

After having few talks with kids, our team was divided into small group to communicate and educate kids on different topics such as health, education, environment, and other social issues. After that, we also encouraged kids to help protect environment through planting tree.

Finally, this events gave me a lot of lesson-learns and even motivated me to continue to organize other events. What shocked me again is that the Khmer rural kids did not know where famous Angkor Wat located. When our professor asked them, they replied Angkor Wat is in Kompong Speu, at where they are living. So it reminded me the joke that we repeated in Vietnamese sound that "Angkor Wat is located in Bongbeu" (Bongbeu is referred to Kompong Speu). Then, we gave them the correct answer that "Our Angkor Wat is located in Siem Reap". It was so fortunate that the books we brought for them attached with Angkor Wat image and even the money (500Riel) we gifted them is also printed with Angkor Wat picture.

With classmates and other friends' financial and spiritual support, our team could organize the event successfully. Thanks to all!!!

2007-06-01T07:27:00.000+07:00

Chum Reap Sou!!!

Sou Sdey my dearest friends,

"Working together for a better society" is a slogan kept in my mind.
In my childhood, I feel I could not involve helping my society as my resource and effort is limited.

However, now i started to realize that: Commitment and Coolaboration is a key to achieve that dream. With my friends, who share the same value and effort, we could organize events together to build youth's network and help contriubte to rural kids.

We have started out activities since May 1st 2006. Through the community event, we distribute study materials to kids, educate them the social matters, and guide them to envision their future. The same model have been applied in various communities.

My Graduation

2007-05-20T09:40:00.000+07:00

I and my sister....

I and my brother....

2006 Sep--My Graduation's Day: After spending almost 4 years for my bacherlor degree, in International Relations, i feel released and excited during my graduation's day. Though, it is a starting point for another higher degree's life...

iFocus :: Sopheap Chak

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Honor Killings: Gender and Universal Human Rights

Article 2. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, [.....].

Article 3. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

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Thanks Blogher n Techsoup

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Happy Dinner with the best menu

Cambodian Bloggers Summit

My Community Image

Quoted from Planner Diary 2007 of ILO-WEP

Honor Killings: Honor Suicides

Adovocacy Campaign against Gender-Based Violation

Join Hand to Make our Environment Clean

Bye and Thank to John and Vidal

PMT Must Own Up if Safety Issues Let to Fatal Aircrash

Friday July 20th 2007 Special Event

Religious Moral Issue: Tep vong Should Keep Monks in Line on Morals

Uphold Justice: Big Penalty for Police Who Rape

The Rights to Free Expression is Essential in a Real Democracy

The Problem of Corruption Runs Deep

Eviction Issue: Look to Root Casues of Riot At Tonle Bassac

Debt-Ridden Economy Can't Grow

Tribunal Judges Shouldn't need Redemption

Psychologcial Domestic Violation is invisible???

Job and Volunteer Opportunity

King Birthday--Trip to Indigenous Land

Human Rights Day-Trip to Takeo

Independent Day-- the trip to Preveng

Picture Evaluation

Visak Bochea Day-- Camping to Chrey Hophnov Mountain

Holocust Museum Visit

Queen Birthday--Trip to Prey Veng

IHRTP2007--Training in Canada

My First Labor Day: Trip to Kompong Speu

My Graduation