Adventurers Humanitarian Projects

Hidden Cambodia specializes in journeys that truly capture the soul of Cambodia.. Our  groups visit many rural and remote areas where they have an opportunity to really meet Cambodia’s people and understand more about their culture and way of life.  Our guests continue to be warmly welcomed by local communities. In many areas, it is Hidden Cambodia who has pioneered the tickle of tourists into so many locations such as Koh Ker, Preah Khan of Kampong Svay (also know as Preah Khan or Bakan)  Preah Vihear temple complexes and Anlong Veng, once the last stronghold of the Khmer Rouge.

 

The warmth with which our guests have been received by small villages, rural areas, local officials, community leaders,  families, children and individuals alike has had long lasting impressions on our guests. Many have said their trip into Hidden Cambodia has been  “life changing”…..seeing a way of life so different from their own and with so many stark contrasts. For many, it was figuring out how they could give something back, something that would benefit the community. Below are some projects that are ongoing.

Theme & Objectives Hidden Cambodia Adventure Tours guests support, in the areas that they travel to and that are in need of ;                                                                                       Well construction & water pumps                                                                                            Water filters to village communities and training                                                                    Short courses in Medical first aid training in rural areas in association with the Dept of Health and Angkor Children's Hospital.             

Transport for Cambodia people by taxis from rural areas to Siem Reap for medical assistance and some smaller individual projects.

Area: For 2007 & 2008, we are primarily concentrated on the small community of Seyiong/Ker Ker , Phum Thmei, 7kms from Seyiong &  4 kms away from Koh Ker and Rum Jake, 7 kms away from Koh Ker– not accessible by car, all in Preah Vihear Province, over 160 kms from Siem Reap.

First aid training in Koh Ker and Phum Thmei Villages, Preah Vihear province. In Feb, 07 a team of 5 medical staff from Angkor Children's Hospital, Siem Reap  traveled with Hidden Cambodia to Koh Ker. Over a period of 4 days and three nights,  staff trained 24 community members in first aid and prevention. Hidden Cambodia provided logistics & transport and was partially funded by a donation from Majella Healy and Eileen Poate, Ireland. The particular outreach program of Angkor Children's hospital was funded by a US donor.

Well Building in and around Koh Ker, Preah Vihear province  

Availability of water all year round has always been a problem for those in remote areas that don’t naturally have water near the surface that they can tap into. Sometimes, a dept of 70 meter is not unheard of and then water has to be tested to see that it does to contain any toxins. Getting funding, equipment  and manpower into these locations is often problematic. Fellow adventures wishing to contribute have funded four wells in two remote corners of Preah Vihear province.  

 

Rick Crabtree from MN, US, (04) & the Kasper and  Vicks families from Canada (Feb 05) donated a well in Koh Ker village which is now completed. History of the building of the wells can be seen  here.

 

 

Deb and Stuart Rodgers from Toronto, Canada (Mar 06)donated funds for well in Koh Ker Village in Feb 06. Well  finished in Nov 06

 

Eileen Forrestal and Majella Healy,  Ireland (Oct 06) visited Koh Ker and donated well to Phum Thmei,a remote village located 4 kms beyong Koh Ker. In addition,  they contributed 25 water filters plus funds for some smaller medial emergency projects. Well finished   in Nov 06.

 

North Water Paddle Sports Equipment of Vancouver, Canada, Lindsey Merchant (Dec 06), it's Director and and it's customers have built a 4th well , located in Phum Thmei, giving this community of 75 families its second well. Well completed Dec 07.

 

 

Water Filters Project in Preah Vihear Province

Many families in rural areas do not have access to clean water and so Hidden Cambodia transports small mobile water filters when the 4WD goes out on tour.. Guest donate them and distribute them themselves or other guests help  distribute them on the  trip following.  This happen  in particular with the one day 4WD trips to Koh Ker temple. Photos can be seen here.

Donors include Michele Hallinan, Ireland, Tomas James and James Seymour, UK ,  Healy and Eileen Forestal, Ireland , Paul Minders,  Texas and Sydney and Jereen Van Marle, KL, Malaysia.

 

 

January 06 – School building in Anlong Veng

Many groups of people who visit Anlong Veng, 130 kms north of Siem Reap wish to contribute to the small school that is on the mountain, located in the shadow of Pol Pots grave. Here 60 children learn daily in a small straw schoolroom with one teacher. The roof needs to be replaced. Often visitors will bring paper, pencils and crayons to these children or will contribute to the eventual building of a new roof.

 

September 04 - Ian From Sheffield made a kind donation of over 30 mosquito nets to be distributed in Siem Reap Province .  He had an eventful dirt biking week during the rainy season. One day was a full day by boat where there was no more road left, bike and all  - Chom Kissan to Tbang Meanchey!  Photos

 

November 04 – Rick Crabtree from Minneapolis , Minnesota rode with us for five days. He is closely involved with the Khmer American community there. He kindly donated a medical supply box in Prasat Bakan that will be made available to the local community and in assisting with first aid training for heads of communes and village chiefs.  he started the well project with the first contribution. 

Siem Reap and regional humanitarian Cambodian Projects on our routes outside of Siem Reap that we cooperate with and support.

Cambodia@yatesweb.com - Provides information on the Anlong Veng Project and has a comprehensive 80+ links list to Cambodia .

 

Gaye Millers Story - An Australians story of her third trip in October 2003. We were happy to provide support and transport and to assist her great projects. 

 

Heritage Watch  - Preserving the past, enriching the future.  Working to raise awareness regarding the importance of cultural heritage in all sectors of Cambodian society.

In Siem Reap

Sangkhum Center -both a children's home to some and  a day center to others, this organization is working towards being self sufficient,  volunteers also welcome. We visit all above on day tours.

Caring for Cambodia - providing education opportunities for children from impoverished backgrounds. There food for thought , teacher training and early learning programs provide essential foundations for Siem Reaps young population.