How to build a fish farm in Cambodia

Besides a nurse's station at the orphanage, the other project that I helped usher along while I was in Cambodia was the FISH FARM.

This farm was designed to be a sustainable source of food for the orphanage.  I was told that catfish were going to be used because they were easy to raise and good to eat (but damn ugly to look at). 

If you have read any of my previous posts, you might recall how hot and humid I said it was.  Nevertheless, the workers started construction on the farm and they were bundled up so much, it was difficult to tell if they were men or women.  The excess clothing must have kept the sun off their skin but damn, I'm sure they were sweating like hogs. 

A couple of months later, Savong sent me the pictures of the completed farm.  Here it is ... but without any fish. 

It looks like a great big pool which would be awesome for the kids to play in during the hot summer months. 

But yes, I know.  Food is the priority.  But I'm wondering if you could still swim with the fish.  I really wonder if they would mind. 

And for anyone who thinks the above statements are idiotic, you just have no idea how hot it gets in this country!

It shouldn't be too long before the fish arrive.  We're hoping to bring in nearly 600 which should last ... well, I have no idea.  I can tell you that these are hungry kids so maybe not as long as you might think. 

As always, donations towards these projects are always appreciated.

Return to Cambodia

About a year and a half ago, I travelled to Cambodia and fell in love with its culture, its geography and above all, its people.

Cambodia is one of the poorest and most troubled countries in the world but its people, especially its children, are some of the happiest that I’ve ever met. They welcomed me like a king and they were very eager to learn about my background, my language and the countries that I have lived in.

During my short stay, I managed to teach at a local school run by Svay Savong. This English language school is entirely free for its students and I was so impressed by its success that I promised Savong that I would help him with his ambitious endeavors.

After returning home, I have helped Savong buy bicycles for the children and build water pumps for several families. For his orphanage (which is currently home to 29 children), I have helped him build toilets, buy a motorcycle and pay for an English language teacher. This money has not all come out of my pocket; I have had very generous support from people in the United States, Canada and Japan.

I am very excited to tell you that I will be returning to Cambodia at the end of this month. I will be there for 10 days and although I will be spending some time exploring crumbling temples, I hope to do as much charitable work as possible. It is my hope to teach at the school, build water pumps and contribute to the orphanage. This should be very rewarding and I’m sure my efforts will be deeply appreciated.

Although I (absolutely) hate asking for money, I believe in this cause so much I am writing this email to do just that. If I were a rich, I would just use my own money to help these people but like everyone else, I have felt the pinch of a tough economy. We can do more as a group and I am hoping to raise $1000 before I leave. Even a small amount of money ($5 or $10) can really help out but if you are feeling generous, $210 can build a water pump for a family. I will also make sure that a sign is made with your name on it to indicate where the donation came from.

If you are thinking about donating but have some doubt ... take a look at the water that some of these people drink. 

Now aren't you thankful that you have tap water? 

Unfortunately I am not a tax deductible charity but any donation will get you GREAT karma points.

You can give any amount of money through my paypal account. The link is here:  The Cambodian Good Water Fund.

If you would like to see the amazing beauty of Cambodia, you can view a slideshow of my photos here:  Cambodian Slide Show.  The link will take you to my collection and then just click on the slideshow that is labeled Cambodia. 

There is sound so turn up the volume.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And please watch my blog for exciting updates!

phil

Email from Savong

I'd like to pass along the email I just received from Savong who runs the English language school in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

They just updated his website and you can view it at http://www.savong.com.

He has more information about the orphanage that he is running.

Hi Phil,
It's always good to hear from you.

The main things I would like as:
I need budget to purchase food for them daily $20
I need $3 daily for four children to state school
I need $150 for purchasing three bicycles for children riding to school
I need $100 for hiring a cook monthly
I need $80 for hiring accounter monthly
I need to purchase a motorbike for orphanage
These costs are to need at the moment for the orphanage. this orphanage's called "Bakong Orphanage" because it's close to temples area like:
Preah Ko temple
Lolie temple
Bakong temple
At the moment the orphanage has 14 people,one toilet,a bathroom,four rooms and one pump. And it's in Thnol Trong Village,Bakong Commune,Bakong District,Siem Reap Province,Cambodia.

This orphanage doesn't have any sponsors yet. If your friends can be sponsor for the orphanage,it'll be better and we can support many orphans and poor families.

If I had much fund I'll be going down counstrysides and collecting orphans and poor people ,this is my dream.

If you could visit Cambodia again it'll be making me happy and I want to see you again. If you're sure in coming here,please you let me know .

And if you have any querie, please you don't hesitate in asking me .

Much respect and admire to you

Hoping to hear from you soon

Savong

If there is anyone who can help him out, please let me know.

Thanks,

Phil