Spean Da & Ajen,
Cambodia
Survivors of a pillaged land
The Mekong River villages of Ajen and Spean-Da lie within the sprawling Prey Lang Forest in Kratie Province, Cambodia. Trouble is, the inhabitants, many of them of the Kuy tribe, are seeing both the forest and their traditional way of life receding. Much of the area has been turned into dusty clearings and scrawny scrub brush. Illegal logging has been causing deforestation. Water sources have been contaminated. Foreign companies have taken over traditional lands.
Not long ago, this school in Spean Da served 135 students with one teacher.
WGLO supporters raised funds to build a centrally-located school serving 200 students from three villages. The regional government has provided additional teachers, and the local communities have contributed labor and some materials. A true partnership.