Amazing things are happening in Andong Village

Following a generous donation from a Seattle church group, funds are being provided to build roofs for the most needy in Andong Village, a community resettled from the center of Phnom Penh to far past limits.

We visited the site on July 21st to see what has been accomplished, and were in awe at how much impact this project is having on the people there.

All of us that visited have worked in slum communities around Phnom Penh, and it is rare to feel such hope in communities that face continual struggles to survive. I will try to convey what we experienced, but words and pictures can only do so much.

We strolled through the community on a late afternoon with Abe from the Rock of Salvation Church, who is coordinating the building of the roofs. We stopped in the lively market in the heart of the village where women and children lined the aisle trading meat, fruit and vegetables in the heat of the afternoon sun. Women gathered around Abe and began to thank us on behalf of the money donated by you to build the new roofs. It gave me goose bumps and made my eyes well up. I felt the need to say something, and let them know that their efforts were thanks enough, and wished them the best in working together to improve their community.

They are building more than just roofs...

The village is in a crisis situation after being resettled, since much of their necessary infrastructure was lost and many families have been living in squalor conditions. Criteria to prioritize which families received new roofs were:
· Those living in flimsy shelters or in houses with badly damaged roofs.
· Those who had infants and small children who would be put further at risk of health
problems during the monsoon season.
· Those who had a right to live on the land (not squatters) and who would not abandon the property during the rainy season.
· Those who lived in areas that were not flooded, allowing them to live there throughout the monsoons.
· Those who were extremely poor and willing to contribute their own labour towards the construction.

Accomplishments to date include:
· 80 roofs have indeed been completed, transforming entire sections what were once rows of shacks into stable thatch houses;
· Approximately 480 people are living in and benefiting from the repaired homes, including over 250 children as well as many elderly and some suffering from HIV/AIDS;
· On budget to build another 80 roofs with the remaining funds;
· Roofs cost $35 or $55 per family depending on the size of the house, the type and amount of roofing material, and the number of wooden structural beams needed. The average cost for the first 80 families has been $48

When we spoke to families who have received a new roof, they repeatedly told us that the quality of the construction was of a high standard and that they are staying dry during the wet season. The new roofs replace flimsy blue tarpaulin and dangerous pieces of scrap iron held upright with found pieces of wood and metal. They keep out all of the rain during the heavy storms of the rainy season, and provide protection from the sun during the remainder of the year, as well as increase the aesthetics of the village.

Among the children are 20 newborns. One family’s roof was finished just days before their baby was born, and they were overjoyed and so thankful to have a dry house! Some villagers agreed to make their houses smaller so that the roads would allow movement of motorcycles, cyclos, and foot traffic (good for those that have home businesses such as fruit stands, etc.). Since providing the new roofs began, there seems to be a greater sense of hope, as well as solidarity and cooperation. Abe has employed 9 men from the community, who are very glad to have employment and be learning a skill.

The poorest parts of the village seem like a different place in comparison to just a few months ago. To choose one word to describe the change would be TRANSFORMED! The people send their most sincere thanks to all who made it possible.

Solid Structures

The family pictured above spoke with us about their lives and gave permission for us to share their story. The father, Sophal, 45 years old, and his wife, Vanty, 35 years old. They have four children; two sons who are 18 and 13 years old, and 4 year old twin daughters.

The father has just returned from working in construction in the furthest north-eastern province, Ratanakiri, where he contracted malaria. The mother said that conditions for them were much worse before they received a new roof. Now she is able to confidently undertake her work as a tailor in training in the house while minding the children and earning additional income for the family.

Their 13 year old son (pictured above) is now in 4th grade at the local public school. He is very shy, but seems like a really good kid. When we asked him what is his dream for the future and he said he wants to be a doctor, so he can save other people’s lives.