Chhnok Tru Kampong Chhnang Province School Project: Cambodia

Writers Michael Loung, William Cheng

We are pleased to report significant progress with the Chhnok Tru Kampong Chhnang Province School Project in Cambodia despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sr Dang, who recently returned to Chhnok Tru after the long COVID-19 restrictions, shared some current photos of the village and the school building site which you can view in the newsletter photo gallery.

Currently, the construction team has started raising the building platform using the excavated soil from the site. Soil from the site will also be utilized for the creation of a second community fish farm/dam: highlighting the project's commitment to sustainable development and community engagement.

Building approval for the school is pending processing by the local authority: we are optimistic that the new energetic parish priest has taken charge in the area, and we have received information that he is actively working to expedite the necessary paperwork. We remain hopeful that the approval process will be completed soon, allowing us to go ahead with the construction of the school.

The temporary canal serves as a trading and docking location for the "lake people" who are prohibited from residing on the lake. These resilient individuals have built their homes on the canal banks to ensure convenient access to their canoes and boats. However, the rising water during the wet season poses an annual threat to these houses, necessitating the installation of empty oil barrels and plastic drums beneath the floor frames to mitigate the impact.

The proposed site for the local school building, which will be constructed by AHHA, is located approximately one mile from the canal. The land is owned by the local Catholic church and holds great potential for community development. It is worth mentioning that the site also hosts other community-run projects initiated by AHHA, such as the fish farm, chicken farm/ hut, and vertical garden. These projects, along with the proposed school, aim to encourage the "lake people" to move to higher land for enhanced living conditions and opportunities.

As we move forward, we express our sincere gratitude to all our volunteers and supporters who continue to play a pivotal role in making this project a success. Your unwavering dedication and support empower us to overcome challenges and bring positive change to the lives of the children and the community of Chhnok Tru.

AHHA is thrilled to finally return to Freedom Plaza, Cabramatta in Sydney for our first public community fundraiser since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Under a bright, sunny sky, the day was marked by heartwarming community spirit, the joy of reconnection, and the determination to make a difference.

Our dedicated volunteers gathered as early as 8:00AM, setting up marquees, readying the BBQ trailer, arranging photo displays, and preparing the sound system. The event soon kicked off with vibrant performances from our talented singers who entertained the public with their great vocal talent.

The aroma of our popular snags wafted through the air, selling out quickly as the public learned about the charity work that AHHA performs. The turnout was