Programs of the Prefecture

PREFECTURE SECTORS

a) WESTERN SECTOR

BATTAMBANG PROVINCE

• Ta Hen
• Ta Phung
• Knaeh Romeas
• Nikhum
• Chraviel and Cheitel

BATTAMBANG CITY

• Arrupe Center for Handicapped
• Tep Im Student Hostel
• St. Vincent of Paul Day Care Center
• Pet Yeiy Chee Welcome Center for the Sick
• Care for Persons with HIV-AIDS

KRONG PAILIN PROVINCE

b) NORTHERN SECTOR

SIEM REAP

• Siem Reap city
• Chong Knies
• Phnom Kraom
• Ta Om

BANTEAY MEANCHEY

• Sisophon
• Poipet
• Chomnaum
• Dei Keh

c) SOUTHERN SECTOR

PURSAT

• Pursat city
• Kompong Luong

KOMPONG CHHNANG

• Kompong Chhnang city
• Chhnok True

d) EASTERN SECTOR

KOMPONG THOM PROVINCE

• Kompong Kor
• Balang
• Preik Sbau
• Maniew
• Phum Pang
• Tangkork

KOMPONG THOM CITY

• Kompong Rothe Center

Songkae river, Battambang

A) WESTERN SECTOR

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BATTAMBANG PROVINCE

TA HEN
A large piece of land was purchased next to the old Center. A new Church, Kindergarten, a school and Students'Center have been constructed. Dance classes, literacy classes, tailoring (training and production) and a students' hostel have been introduced. A weaving center has also started functioning where seven young women are now employed fulltime to make clothes which they will sell in different areas, thus offering them the opportunity to develop their own lives and not to be caught up in the circle of poverty.

Rice bank, Ta Hen

TA PHUNG
A plot of land was purchased and a new Church was constructed. While the Church is on the first floor, the ground floor is being used for a kindergarten, a day care center and for other purposes. A school was built and a scholarship program helps secondary students to complete their education. 70 hectares of land have been purchased for growing rice and peanuts. This is part of our agricultural self sufficiency program and an agricultural team has been set up for the purpose.
A food for work program is undertaken by the Parish community to encourage poor and needy families to build roads and dig water ponds for the development and improvement of their lives in the area.

KHNAEH ROMEAS
A piece of land was purchased on which a simple wooden Church was constructed which is also used as a youth center. Five students without economic resources are living in the Church premises and are being helped with school fees and private classes. They also receive assistance for their needs of food and health care. Two other students, who are living in their own homes are also assisted with their education. There are three catechists for a group of 22 youth and two catechists for a group of 8 children. The Sangkaha visits the poor and the sick, and follows up the cases that need to be sent to the hospital in Battambang.
A school building with 6 classrooms has been constructed and has been handed over to the Government to manage.

Asked about the challenges related to the access to land and "food for work" programs, Sr. Cecile explains: The villages we work in are new villages, with people who came from exile and have heard that land was available around these areas. The first challenge is de-mining the land, which means that people lack food during the slow de-mining process, otherwise they have no other alternative but to risk their lives while cultivating on it. Just last Thursday two people died after stepping on a mine near a village where we work. During the rainy season Taun mines are easier to explode since the land is softer. We normally buy the land and lend it to these families. They have free use of the land and after ten years the land titles pass on to their private name (by this we prevent them from selling it). In this case we ask for 2% of the product of the land, so that we can give it to others. There are families who directly buy the land themselves. Srey Neak I see many positive experiences of families that have been able to skip from the cycle of poverty through agricultural programs. I would say that only one or two families in a village do not manage to do so, but this is mainly because they don't want to and they don't think of the mid and long term needs. If they don't work on the land we had lend them, we ask them to return it. This is the only way to make them react and start working. I can see three types of people: the ones that came from the refugee camps (this group is the most difficult one since they are used to getting everything from NGOs and are very demanding); the ones that stayed back during the war (they are used to working and do not pose many problems); and the Khmer Rouge who went back to the government (they were forced to work but got nothing in exchange, so this is just the opposite to the ones that were in the refugee camps). It is very important that there is a spirit of solidarity in the village. The role of the chief of the village is very important to animate good relationships among the people. A challenge for us is to know how and when to step out. We explain to the people that we are only there in the first stages and further development is in their own hands. We are now trying to step out from some villages but this is done in a smooth way. I have much hope in all these families and I feel very encouraged when I see that despite their struggle they manage to earn their own living with dignity and from their own land. Sr. Cecile works for the Jesuit Service in the Battambang province and reaches out to some 2,000 families in 13 villages through programs of rural development, education, health, women's training and care for children.

Family in Kompong Kor

NI KHUM
A small piece of land, which was formerly a rice field, was purchased on which a small wooden Church with a thatched roof has been constructed. The land had to be raised because of the flooding during the rainy season. This Church is also used for teaching catechism to the children and youth and as a meeting place of the Social Action Committee which sees to the needs of the poor and the needy, Catholic and others. Ni Khum is a very poor area and the community did not have a gathering place prior to the building of this Church and we can say that the building of this Church has not only provided this but has also helped build a strong sense of community.

Phnom Somphao, Battambang

CHRABVIEL and CHEITEL
Income generating programs are being developed for the growing of a variety of fruit trees.

Pastoral Activities Every community, but especially the Battambang centre, constantly shows hospitality to many visitors from other parts of the Prefecture, from other communities in Cambodia, and from abroad. The 'Ponlok Tmai' children's movement is promoted in each of the Catholic communities. It includes both the Catholic children and others from the neighbouring families and villages. The movement promotes cultural and civic values, mutual help, visits to the sick and elderly and other social service activities. Many youth activities are organised, especially at the Battambang Centre. Youth Synods were held in Battambang, Kompong Thom and Phnom Penh. Thanks to the support of the Italian Bishops' Conference, a significant number of young people of the diocese are completing high school and 15 or more are attending university studies in Phnom Penh. In most communities there is training of children in traditional Cambodian dance which is also incorporated into liturgical practice. With the help of Fr. Jean-Marie Birsens SJ, retreats and days of recollection have been held for community leaders, youth and catechumens. The Prefecture now has a simple retreat house in the middle of some rice fields at Cheuteuil. Four times a year there have been week-long formation seminars for catechists and community leaders led by Fr. François Ponchaud and Sr. Gilbert. 14 churches have been built or repaired, two boats have been bought and converted to floating churches, land has been purchased and prepared for church construction, and the building of more substantial church structures has been continuing for a number of communities.

BATTAMBANG CITY

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The compound of Battambang Parish in Battambang City hosts the central office of the Prefecture of Battambang.
In pre-Pol Pot days, the residence of the Apostolic Prefect was located about a kilometer away from the Parish Church. Adjacent to it was the school of the Sisters of Providence. After the years of turmoil these have not been returned to the Church but house a hotel and gasoline station.
The present parish is located on the premises of the old parish but is smaller in area. The old massive church was bombed to pieces during the Khmer Rouge regime and the old graveyard beside the church is now a small soccer field which attracts many youngsters from the neighborhood. The old buildings have found new uses: the old presbytery has become bishop's house and office, the former catechism building has become the Arrupe Welcome Center for the Handicapped, one of the former hospital buildings is now the Day Care Center for children, the other hospital building has become a Welcome Center for the Sick, the former sisters' convent is now the Presbytery. The orphans' home is being used as the Parish Church and the house for the elderly has been converted into the parish office and visitors' sleeping quarters.
The parish compound is still known as "Pet Yiey Chee" which translates as "hospital of grandmother nuns", reminiscent of the time before Pol Pot when the parish compound housed the most popular and efficient hospital for the treatment of malaria in the region; and also had houses for the care of orphans and the elderly. It was run by the Sisters of Providence. For our part, we try to contribute to rebuilding people's lives while carrying on the good name, tradition and memory of loving service that the old Christian community has given as a witness to God's unbounded love.

Arrupe Welcome Center for the Handicapped
The Center is intended as a home for up to 20 children with disabilities, and helps them to attend school in Battambang. Secondly, the Center also offers a temporary welcome to persons with disabilities who are brought to Battambang for specialist care. Thirdly, the Centre is a base for the Prefecture's project of outreach and assistance for rehabilitation to the disabled people in the northwest of Cambodia. The Center manages outreach projects to the poor and handicapped persons in villages near and far through programs like wheelchair distribution, loans for income-generating projects, housing, constructions of wells, village schools, preservation and enhancement of cultural treasures like dance, carvings, and handicrafts. For example, a school was recently built in the village of Kumrieng, which was then handed over to the government for management.
In partnership with other NGO's, the Center provides health services like treatment for children and adults with hearing problems and ear infections, psychological and psychiatric counseling for parents and their children with cerebral palsy and post meningitis complications, physio-therapy, referrals for eye treatment, procurement of prosthesis and many other services depending on each one's needs.

Today I've seen a lot of children and adults with somatoform disorders, like headache, back pain and chest pain. All these have psychological causes. If I investigate deeper, it is clear that it is not only physical: most of the people I interview have problems linked to their family, however shameful it may be for them to recognize it. Poverty and alcoholism of parents are common causes of disorders for the children, and because of that siblings often develop high sense of responsibility for each other. Adults have the same pattern of problems. Just now I interviewed a 43 year-old woman whose husband was shot in 1995. She went to live with his in-laws but they don't accept her. She was very dependent on her husband and now feels very dependant on her family in-law, so she feels depressed and helpless. Bowinneth, a psychologist working for the Center of Mental Health in Tak Mau. She (monthly) visits Arrupe Center together with a team of doctors.

Tep Im Student Hostel
The Tep Im Student Hostel is named after the former Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, Mgr. Paul Tep Im Sotha, who was murdered by the Khmer Rouge together with Fr. Jean Badre in 1975.
Tep Im Student Program gives educational support to poor children and youth in Battambang city and around the provinces of Battambang, Kompong Chnnang, Pursat, Banteay Meanchey, and Siem Reap. With support coming principally from the Conferenza Episcople Italiana in 1999, the Prefecture expanded its educational support program so that in 2003, about 300 children and youth studying in elementary, junior and senior high school, and university were supported. Other programs like vocational training in sewing, welding, and electronics are also carried out.

The Tep Im Hostel in the Parish compound, which caters for about 48 students every year, also offers an excellent opportunity for faith formation, community-living skills, exposure to arts and culture, orientations on moral values, leadership, community involvement, and catechism.
In 2003, the dilapidated hostel buildings were repaired to give a more decent and conducive place for study and living. A school building with 7 classrooms has been constructed for the Government and has been handed over to them for management

St. Vincent the Paul Day Care Center
The St. Vincent the Paul Day Care Center, set in one of the former hospital wings, was started in 2000. With dedicated teachers, the center gives chance for children to learn before they start their formal schooling in the government school. The children also receive daily snacks to augment nutritional needs. Likewise, it allows the mothers to be free from taking care of their children in the morning so that they are able to do some works to augment the meager family income.

The Day Care Center also offers opportunities to Youth and Children to study basic computer typing skills, and English language. It also attempts to keep the children and youth away from influences of drugs and bad groups by organizing football tournaments, informal music groups, and taekwondo classes.

Pet Yiey Chee: Welcome Center for the Sick

Chreb, Soksan and Chin

The provinces of the Prefecture remain heavily affected by the thirty years of conflict in Cambodia, which ended with the surrender of the Khmer Rouge factions in December 1998. They saw some of the fiercest battles, are still the most heavily mined regions in the country, and because of their isolation during the war years, their people have long been deprived of so many essential services, particularly of health care. The Diocese maintains a modest Welcome Center to receive patients whose cases could not be attended to in their local villages. It is entrusted to the care of the Sisters of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, who work in close coordination with the social committee of every parish. The center, run by lay volunteers, receives an average of 25 persons per month, not counting those that it sends to hospitals in Phnom Penh and Battambang. Of the many sicknesses ranging from tuberculosis to mental disorders, the Center finds that the basic culprit for the diseases is malnutrition in the villages.

Care of Persons with HIV-AIDS
With Battambang province counting as having the highest numbers HIV-AIDS patients, the Sisters of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul established a village and family-based assistance to such patients. In the beginning, patients come to the Welcome Center for medicines and guidance. The team also conducts family visits to strengthen family capacity to care for the AIDS patient in their homes. Assistance like nutrition, counseling, medicines, and income-generating opportunities are being given to the patients. It has been the experience of the team that keeping the patients occupied with some worthwhile activities gets them out of depression. The Center also holds gatherings of HIV patients to help them support each other.

Working together

The Battambang Parish The Battambang Parish has a long history which goes back about 213 years. Steadily growing in numbers and faith since then, the community suffered a backlash and so much loss and pain during the Pol Pot genocidal regime, as did all Cambodians and its institutions. Today rising from the past full of horrors, Battambang Parish tries to re-gather her scattered people, recall and relive her old memories and keeps herself abreast of the challenges and mission of a new time. Being at the center of communication in the Prefecture, the parish serves as hospitality center for all the sick from the villages, the gathering point for all meetings of various diocesan committees, and youth synods. The liturgical life of the community has returned to normal, with priests present to celebrate the sacraments with the people always attempting to perform them enriched by the beauty and treasures of the Cambodian tradition. A Parish Social Committee is organized to look into needs of the people in the neighborhood, without prejudice to any person's religion: care of the sick, production of rice to share with those who are hungry during lean months, support of children and youth who have no means of going to school, visits to the elderly in their homes, support for families who are in bereavement, care of the elderly and the children, and many other works. Youth activities carried out include: vocation groups, catechism classes, youth synods, "Ponlok Thmai Children's Movement," retreats and recollections, and Catechism lectures. We are hoping that in time, our youth will be become better persons and become good leaders. Fr. Totet Banainal sj, Parish Priest in Battambang

Youth Synod 2002

KRONG KAILIN PROVINCE

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The Catholic community in Pailin is formed by eight families of Vietnamese origin who emigrated from Battambang.
A house was rented to celebrate the liturgy. As in the rest of the communities, service is offered to the poor and the sick. Sick people are sent to Battambang hospital for treatment.
The plan is to build a permanent structure since we believe this community will grow in the next few years.

B) NORTHERN SECTOR

SIEM REAP PROVINCE

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SIEM REAP CITY
The building which was purchased was renovated and is being used for a variety of purposes: the hall is used for daily and Sunday Mass and is also used for recollections, meetings, catechism, etc. Besides this regular service, the following activities are also provided: literacy classes for children; school assistance especially for elementary school students; regular children gatherings to promote friendship and solidarity among them; visiting the sick, the poor and the needy and giving them some emergency help; traditional Cambodian dance practice for children and youth.
There are about 35 families consisting of some 150 people, mostly Cambodians but some foreingers as well. As the needs increase and more people join the church's activities, the plan is to build a chapel besides the present one which will hold up to 200 people.
Caritas is implementing a number of health and rural development programs, such as an important home Aids care project, under the leadership of Bernadette Glisse.

CHONG KNIES
In this community located on the Tonle Sap lake, a floating church was built. The church provides services to some 10 families comprising about 60 people. Most of them are of Vietnamese origin and earn their living by fishing. Next to the church there is a house for activities such as literacy classes for children; catechism; meetings, etc.

Floating church in Chong Knies

PHNOM KRAOM
A learning center for children was established in this community 10 km away from Siem Reap. The center is run in cooperation with the Sisters of the Infant-Jesus of Chauffailles. The Meta Karuna Center, as it is called, provides the following services to children: pre-school program; English classes, community education on relevant topics; basic education in hygiene; dance practice and nutrition. An advocacy program for adults and parents and literacy classes for adults are also provided. Medical check-ups for Ear and Dental care are being done regularly in collaboration with Jesuit Service and the Angkor Children's Hospital with the help of the teachers of the local school. We plan in future to cooperate with the monks in the local pagodas in these activities.

We are teaching the children of our communities to learn the following "commandments": 1. To respect their parents and elder people 2. To listen to and obey their leaders (parents, teachers…) 3. To pay attention to cleanliness: water, environment, clothes, body, meals… 4. To have a good character: honesty, respect, truth… 5. To love each other as brothers and sisters in a big family We also promote visits between communities to enhance self-confidence of children. They come together four times a year: on Khmer New Year; during the International Children's Day (1st of June); All Souls Day; and Christmas. After these meetings we have seen positive signs such as a further integration of the Vietnamese children into the Khmer society -most of them can now speak Khmer. Children also acquire a sense of belonging and a deep sense of being useful to their community. Fr. Heri Bratasudarma sj (responsible for the communities of Siem Reap, Chong Knies and Phnom Kraom)

TA OM
Remnants of an old Church were found and negotiations are under way to get the structure back. At the time when it had been constructed, there were many Catholic families (of Vietnamese origin) around the Church. All have moved out. At present it is being used for many purposes, such as provisional shelter for livestock or some religious services of the local people. Among the suggestions on what should be done is to organize a Centre of Inter-Religious Dialogue.

BANTEAY MEANCHEY PROVINCE

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Fr. Greg Priyadi sj

SISOPHON
A church was built and a wall surrounding the property was constructed. Scholarship programs are in place to support the secondary education of students.

POIPET
This town, just on the border with Thailand, shows an increasing migrant population, gambling, casinos and brothels. New challenges await the Catholic community. For the time being, the Sangkaha has increased its activities especially with regard to nutrition of children. New projects of Don Bosco and Jesuit Service have been developed.

CHOMNAOM
Chomnaom is the second oldest parish in the Battambang Prefecture, with Catholics strong in their faith and tradition. During the Pol Pot regime, the parish priest, Fr. Jean Badre, was killed by the Khmer Rouge along with the Bishop.
Chomnaom Church is situated in a village near a river lined by verdant bamboos. The newly-built church gathers 100 families for celebrations. A new and decent kitchen has been constructed and lately, a new parish pastoral center has been completed, making it possible to conduct activities to enhance the parish life.
Aside from regular liturgies, the parish council also takes care of the sick persons, looks after the nutrition of malnourished babies, manages the rice bank to support the poor in times of famine, and helps to send children and youth to school. Lately, youth activities such as sports, training in leadership, music, group dynamics, and drama have been organized.
A school building with 8 classrooms has been constructed for the Government and has been handed over to them for management.

I am a member of the Kanakamaka (Parish Pastoral Council) here in Chomnaom. With another five friends, we represent the voice of the youth. I help organize the youth and lead in the liturgy preparations. The main problems I see in this community are poverty and illiteracy, as well as family problems. The Pol Pot regime ruined even our generation and now families don't have money to send their children to school. There is only a primary school in Chomnaom. Some children stop schooling at 8 or 9 years old to help their parents in the rice field. Others continue studying until 14 or 15 years of age but since there is no secondary education here, they stop and join their families in the rice field. Only 10 people of my community go to secondary school, which is 2 kms away from my village. My dream? I would wish that all children and youth in my community could attend school and even university. Rotha, 25 years old, youth volunteer in Chomnaom Parish.

DEI KEH
This is a small community -with only one family- but with possibilities of growing. Some catechists have informal meetings with the adults and listen to them about their needs.

Social Action Activities The Arrupe Welcome Centre for Disabled Children was established in July 2001 in a renovated building at the entrance to the Battambang centre. A staff has been recruited and trained. In July 2003, 19 disabled students were living in the Centre. There is also a significant program of outreach to the disabled from this centre. Large numbers are given wheelchairs and followed up at home, others come to the Emergency Hospital for surgery, or for other services such as fitting for glasses or hearing aids. The network of mutual aid, or 'Sangkaha' committees in each of the Catholic communities of the prefecture is alerted to look for people with special needs in their own or in neighbouring villages. There is no discrimination by way of religion or ethnic origin. The 'Sangkaha' have been given a lot of attention and support so that through them the communities can respond to the frequent natural disasters that occur within the prefecture and to the needs of the vulnerable. We have experienced both serious floods and crop failures in different regions. This has led to the need for rice distribution and assistance to indigent or vulnerable families. Coordination between the diocese and the national Caritas Cambodia has been important. Several common projects have been undertaken, such as the construction of a school and wells in Sam Lot, a village in Kum Rieng district where many people disabled by the Khmer Rouge wars live. A small health care team has been established in the Battambang centre, using traditional medicine methods. Skills training has been undertaken both in the Battambang centre and in several communities. For the present, our emphasis has been on teaching tailoring and on starting small tailoring projects, although some are also undertaking formation for carpentry and mechanics. Literacy formation always accompanies the skills training. Education: A principle strategy of the diocese is to undertake kindergarten or day care programs. These support and complement the government's commitment to give educational opportunities to all children. The centres enable parents to work or to give proper care to other children; and relieve older siblings, especially older sisters so that they can complete their studies. The centres teach basic hygiene to the children, and to the young mothers. We have set up kindergartens at Battambang, Kompong Thom, Kompong Koh, Chomnoun, and Ta Hen. The diocese has built primary schools for local communities in Chomnoun, Knae Romeas, Sisophon, Kompong Koh, which have then been handed over to the Government after construction. Help has been extended to the Government for the school at Kompong Luong and there is a plan to repair the school of Chnok Trou. The Paul Tep Im Center was rebuilt in the Prefecture's compound to shelter High School Students. A Students' Center is also being constructed at Ta Hen. There is also a youth Center at Battambang. Cultural Centres: Promoting creativity of children and the youth, such as dance, painting or sculpture, is one of the scopes of the Diocese. A dancing teacher has been appointed and there are now dance groups at Battambang, Ta Hen, Siem Reap, Kompong Koh and the other parishes. Dances are incorporated into the liturgical services. Summer courses on handicrafts and painting were organized in 2003. Several wells were built and land bought for agricultural production by communities. A small centre for media production is in the planning stage.

C) SOUTHERN SECTOR

PURSAT PROVINCE

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PURSAT CITY
A wooden house was acquired and repaired and serves as a community center and base for the pastor. A new simple wooden Church has been constructed. English lessons are given to some 100 students, the majority of whom are non-catholics. Traditional dance and classical/modern music programs are also provided.
A scholarship program by means of a weekly quota is given to the students to complete their formal education with the help of private lessons. Bicycles and uniforms have been provided to poor students.
As in the rest of the communities, service to the sick and basic aid to poor families is provided.

Liturgy in Pursat Church

"You cannot easily change the damage caused by the war, or caused by the systematic breaking of relationships, or the loss of dignity. You cannot easily reverse the situation, "lack of food". You cannot easily change the damage done by the meetings which were held in war, or the meetings at which the people were harangued with propaganda. The mind is paralysed by such things so the way to go forward is slowly and carefully. The way that people can begin to talk honestly with each other is by joking and chatting informally and gradually strengthening relationships again. They sit together in places where they can be comfortable. Where they are at ease they can begin to talk personally. We need to find ways to restore the confidence and trust of individual people, of families, and of whole communities. This is done in the same way that any relationships are made. Slowly." 'Towards restoring life', Meas Nee

Floating church in Chnok Trou

KOMPONG LUONG
This floating village is home to a large Vietnamese community. A floating house, which is now used as a Church, and a floating school have been purchased. Two full time teachers provide literacy classes in, Khmer and Vietnamese, for children and adults.
A school building with 2 classrooms has been constructed for the Government and has been handed over to them for management.
Service to the sick and basic aid to poor families is provided.

KOMPONG CHHNANG PROVINCE

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KOMPONG CHHNANG CITY

The existing Church was repaired and renovated. A Cambodian Sister of Providence is based there and provides catechesis, Khmer and literacy classes to a Vietnamese community made up of 40 families.

I am very happy to teach Khmer to the Vietnamese children since this empowers them for the future. By teaching them, I feel the Catholic community here is moving forward. There are two life-giving aspects of my work: the Word of God and the children, who give me so much life. I have 20 little students and 8 adults. I see much progress, especially because most of the students realize how important it is to learn, so they put a lot of effort. Even if I find some difficulties, I am able to get to know the life of the people. The difficulties I find in my work are three: I cannot speak Vietnamese and thus cannot communicate easily; I don't know if people are happy that I am here; I have never lived in a floating village, sometimes I would like to go for a walk and this is not possible, and when it rains heavily I get sick. After one year of teaching, I am happy that some children can now read Khmer. Tochsytha is 25 years old, he has been living since 2002 in Chnok Trou. His family lives 300 km away from the village.

CHNOK TROU
About 1.500 families live in this floating village, 60% of whom are of Vietnamese origin. The old floating Church was renovated and now also serves as a school. Many of the Vietnamese living in this village belong to the third generation of migrants but cannot speak Khmer. A full time teacher based in the church is in charge of Khmer and English lessons, with the purpose of integrating the community into Cambodian society. Literacy classes are also provided.

Br. Ghislain from Taizé came to visit the Diocese of Battambang in July 2003. We asked him about his feelings on Cambodia and its people today; the challenges and dreams he envisages for the Church of Cambodia: I feel very privileged to once again meet the Cambodian communities. I feel the Church here has a lot of clarity. In Europe and other Asian countries such as India or the Philippines the Church is part of a long history but also of a great power, despite being a minority. In Cambodia the church is small but very visible and people know that there is a commitment to the poor, as we see it here in Battambang. This commitment is impressive. A challenge for Christians today is to search for the real meaning of ´Church´. Another challenge that I see is to keep being simple and with a light structure. The needs are so great that we risk organizing too much and too many big things. I feel we have to always re-discover the freshness of service. The Church here is unique because there are plenty of people from different countries and cultures. This is at the same time a richness and a challenge for communion. I feel familiar with this feeling because in Taizé we brothers come from 25 different countries. A challenge is to help find the beauty of this universality, not so much the differences and what divides us. My dream is that the Church remains vibrant and a light for other people and countries.

D) EASTERN SECTOR

KOMPONG THOM PROVINCE

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KOMPONG KOR

This is the biggest and oldest community of the Eastern Sector, yet nowadays it is also one of the poorest communities and with a very fragile economic capacity.

Fr. Dominique Viney and friends

The Church had been damaged by floods and was repaired. A kindergarten and a school building with 4 classrooms were built. The school building was handed over to the Government after construction.
A training center for tailoring, embroidery and weaving was set up. A dance group has been organized and traditional dances are incorporated into the liturgical services. We support the education of children and young people and take care of the children in the kindergarten under the encouragement of the sisters.
Two hectares of land were bought and four water pumps installed. A further plan is to develop an agricultural pilot project to support the widows of the community.
In the health area we provide access to medicines, transport to the hospital and food.
Catechists are helping to regularize the lives of many families but this is a slow process due to poverty.

Women who were involved in handicraft activities in the village used to go to Phnom Pehn to sell them. Life became too difficult for them so we prepared the program in Kompong Thom and we chose a group with women in need, some of them disabled. Some of them know already how to sow and can earn their living, these are the hope for those who are still learning. This group gets some money and we give them rice. The change I have seen in them is a change towards hope. Sr. Sudathip explains how the income generating activities give hope to women in Kompong Thom. Handicrafts are sold in Cambodia, Spain and India.

Kompong Kor church

BALANG
Land has been purchased for a program of the sisters who are caring for young women. This is a small community which is going through a difficult moment due to poverty. Many people have emigrated for economic reasons.

PREIK SBAU
This is the second largest community in the sector after Kompong Kor. The existing simple Church was renovated and land was bought for agriculture. There is a plan to build a new church in the near future, which will also serve as a multipurpose center for the community. We also want to build a kindergarten.

MANIEW
Maniew is a recently created community (early 90s). Nowadays it is a small community made up mainly of a group of women. The existing parish center, which also serves as a Church, was renovated. An agricultural pilot project will be developed soon.

PHUM PANG
This community is small and is slowly moving forward. A new house was built and it is used as a Church.

TANGKORK
Land was bought for the parish and for a national shrine to honor the Catholics who died during the Khmer Rouge genocide. A small wooden house is used as a church. We have recently bought more land with a plan to divide the land into two: for the parish, which is growing steadily, and for the shrine, the use of which is being worked out in coordination with the other two dioceses of Phnom Penh and Kompong Cham. There are good perspectives for this community, but due to the lack of resources things are developing slowly.

KOMPONG THOM CITY

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KOMPONG ROTHE CENTER
The communities have been strengthened under the guidance of Fr. Franco Legnani and his pastoral team.
A Church had been constructed earlier. The students'center was renovated and a house has been rented for students'activities. New land and a house for care of the sick have been bought. Through the Sangkaha great assistance has been given to flood victims. A training center for tailoring, embroidery and weaving was set up with income-generating products for poor families.

Kompong Rothe church beside Seine river