MVU stories: The story so far – 7 March

There are so many short stories that I want to share – but by the time I sit in front of my computer they seem so trivial. I want to talk about sipping instant mocha on the patio as the sun rises, and about going running through the countryside with half a dozen kids running along with me, while other shout out “hello”. I want to paint a verbal picture of the students, the university, the one-bedroom houses on stilts, the town and life out here. But I just can’t seem to do it justice.

Tomorrow is women’s day, so I got a small gift for all my female students. A pair of cheap earnings (30 cents each) and a fold-out fan (40 cents each). After the formalities tomorrow I’ll be involved in a skit, playing an evil barang gangster who is buying girls to work as prostitutes (knyom jong ban srey sa’aat = I want to have pretty girls). I get arrested in the end. The moral of the story – “hey Cambodians, don’t sell your daughters into sex-slavery!” Deep.

Last week the student paper (called “sua sdeay Kampuchea” or “hello Cambodia”) was finally launched. I suggested the idea, helped set up the editorial committee, contributed articles, edited the English and gave them ideas for topics. Unfortunately, the first edition still had several mistakes (Ross was a female, missing sentences, page numbering) and it came out two weeks late. But by Cambodian standards, it was a success. I hope it keeps going.

The other volunteers are arranging a marathon relay run into Prey Veng (about 45km) and have already raised over $1000 for it. The plan is to get a bus load of students to come along and get some media coverage for the event to raise the profile of this area. Proceeds will go to a local orphanage.