Da’Vid…2011
Da’Vid was born into the first generation of young people to emerge from the genocide of Pol Pot’s murderous Khmer Rouge regime and the invading Vietnamese Forces that inflicted even more misery on the small Kingdom. Da’Vid’s parents survived the horrors then struggled to raise a young family in the war torn country. Born into the aftermath of war, poverty and despair Da’Vid and his siblings endured even more hardships when their parents disappeared ( feared killed) during the last major coup to topple the existing government failed. Da’Vid’s life is filled with remarkable stories of survival in a harsh land where only the strong survive.
The following wall of photographs depict Da’Vid’s continuing struggle and his determination to take control of his destiny and provide a better future for himself, his family and the small farming community that he is now a part of.
Da’Vid lives on the farm with his brother Sullivung who has a young wife and infant son. Sullivung’s mother-in-law also lives with them.
Da’Vid & Sullivung have decided to start-up their own fish farm. It was hard work at first as the land is very dry. However they persevered and after months of hard work the dam needed to breed the fish is complete.
The boys take turns preparing the special feed needed to produce healthy fish that will eventually bring a good price at the market
Da’Vid on the ramp he’s built over the dam. He hopes the fish will be ready to sell within a few months.
The enterprising brothers have also decided to breed chooks as well. When the poultry are a good weight they should also fetch a good price at the market.
It will probably be several more months before any profit is made from the farm.
The farm is on the banks of the Mekong that always floods during the Monsoon season. The chooks take refuge in the tall trees surrounding the property during the day. At night the chooks are kept in pens built on stilts to protect them from rising flood waters and any predators that lurk around at night.
This impoverished community exists on the edge of the Mekong. The staple diet for the villagers is a meagre ration of rice and fish. Many infants and young children die from malnutrition.
Da’Vid’s farm has yet to produce an income. He employs a couple of neighbours to help with the daily tasks in return for a regular supply of chicken meat and fish to feed their families.
Cambodia is still one of the poorest countries on earth. However the growing tourist industry is creating new jobs for those who are fortunate enough to speak English.
Both Da’Vid and Sullivung studied English. The brothers are now passing on their knowledge to the local kids.
I feel very privileged to be a part of this project that will improve the lives of Da’Vid and his small community.
UPDATE: CAMBODIA IS EXPERIENCING ONE OF THE WORST FLOODS IN RECENT TIMES.
This year’s Monsoon season has devastated Da’Vid’s small community. The Mekong River continues to swell, devouring everything in it’s path. Thousands of Villagers have taken refuge at the Pagoda. Unfortunately the rising waters have now reached what was once safe ground. Several have drowned,
Da’Vid and his extended family are now exposed to the relentless rain as they wait for the water to recede enough to return to the farm and inspect the damage.
My Cambodian experience 