After just 12 days in poverty stricken Cambodia three Eden Marine High students do stop to think about it

30 August 2007


From garden of Eden to poverty's door

Residents are so used to having clean water, shelter and food that on
most days they don't even stop to think about it.
But after just 12 days in poverty stricken Cambodia three Eden Marine
High students do stop to think about it.

Trekking to Cambodia in July Ryan Bennett, Alyce Prior and Amandine
Faggotter came face to face with beggars, slums and extreme poverty.

Organised by the students and agriculture teacher Tim Bradley and his
wife Robyn, the trip was part of a project to help the poor community
in the Stengtrong area.

Whilst there the group assisted with hut building, distribution of
rice, and provision of medical supplies.

During their travels the group saw first hand the differences in
living standards as the people of Cambodia struggled to meet the most
basic needs of housing, water and refrigeration.

Coming home the students said they felt a great appreciation for their
lives in Australia.

When asked if the trip changed her view of life Miss Prior said, "Yes,
it did, very much.

"We came back being able to appreciate what we had - a house, clean
water, fresh food, clothes, shops up the road, a job that pays good
wages.

"They live life so hard but yet are still so welcoming of you and
polite, nice and happy. Yet in Australia because everyone is so
spoiled we aren't like that."

But despite the many struggles, the students said they did experience
some highlights which included exploring a new culture, visiting
temples, getting to know the local people and enjoying the tropical
weather.

When asked if they would return Miss Prior said "Yes definitely. If we
had the money we would go back tomorrow.

"I think we would definitely go back with projects - for example [to]
have a house built. I would like to stay at the orphanage for a while
and help out as well as go back to Stengtrong and help out by buying
more rice for them."

The students wished to thank all those who donated funds for the
trip.

The money raised went towards the purchase and distribution of two
tonnes of rice, two sets of playground equipment for an orphanage and
medical supplies.

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