{"id":11380,"date":"2025-04-04T10:25:51","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T08:25:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wecare-association.com\/trip-to-cambodia-insights-encounters-and-moving-moments\/"},"modified":"2026-03-19T07:29:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T06:29:50","slug":"trip-to-cambodia-insights-encounters-and-moving-moments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wecare-association.com\/en\/trip-to-cambodia-insights-encounters-and-moving-moments\/","title":{"rendered":"Trip to Cambodia – insights, encounters and moving moments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I visited our project in Cambodia again this year in March 2025. After a long flight via Bangkok and a short onward flight to Siem Reap, I was warmly welcomed by Theavy and Patrik. Together we headed straight to Battambang – the starting point for an eventful week. <\/p>\n\n

Fabric search with obstacles<\/h3>\n\n

After a quick lunch on the day of arrival, we went to the market. Our usual fabric market had unfortunately fallen victim to a fire, so we had to go to a new market in search of beautiful sarong fabrics. The aim was to find a set of colors with an identical pattern – especially a bright red. Even though we couldn’t find this particular red, we finally found an exciting alternative to fill our stock.The search for fabric was, as always, a test of patience. Many patterns were only available in a few colors, some were no longer in stock – and when we finally found what we were looking for, the haggling over the price began. But in the end we were happy with our haul. <\/p>\n\n

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Buying fabric in Battambang<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Reunion at the Safe House<\/h3>\n\n

The next morning, we visited the Safe House – as always, a particularly warm moment. The children have now set up a small library from which they can borrow books. One of the older pupils is responsible for handing out books – a small step towards more reading enjoyment and language development.I also had a replacement display for our embroidery machine in my luggage. It was installed immediately – mission accomplished! Now the training can begin. The embroidery machine is not only intended for customized products from Femmes des rizi\u00e8res, but should also contribute to create a local income opportunity. <\/p>\n\n

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Patrik installing the new display<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Library service in the Safe House<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Mom washing the dishes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Product development & new plans<\/h3>\n\n

We spent the afternoon reviewing our samples and further developing the prototypes. We also decided to equip the studio with a new, insect-resistant cabinet so that we could store the products better.Another highlight was a visit to a photographer to take professional photos of our new products. A lot of explanation was needed here – his focus is normally on wedding photography, but our requirements were of course very different. <\/p>\n\n

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Visit to the photographer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Theavy in action<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Meeting with the tailors<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

A visit to the “Black Man”<\/h3>\n\n

One evening, we made an offering – in the form of chicken, water, flowers and incense sticks – to the “Black Man”, a local spiritual figure. After the symbolic “feeding”, we were allowed to take the food back and bring it to the children in the Safe House – a beautiful combination of tradition and community. <\/p>\n\n

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The Black Man of Battambang<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Incense sticks and flowers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Meal for the Black Man<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Help for a remote school<\/h3>\n\n

The next day, we drove to a very poor, rural school. 189 pupils received school materials that we had brought with us – a welcome support, as the school has not received any help so far. The children are remarkably small and many suffer from malnutrition. A school feeding program was urgently requested – a wish that we hope to be able to fulfill soon. <\/p>\n\n

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Loading the car<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The school is ready <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Introduction <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Final event: excursion to Siem Reap<\/h3>\n\n

As always, the traditional trip to Siem Reap was a highlight – for the children and for us. The anticipation was huge, the mood exuberant. After checking into the hotel, we went to a buffet restaurant – and it was impressive how much seafood was eaten! The visit to the Kulen waterfall was an unforgettable nature experience: swimming in the ice-cold water, a temple with a reclining Buddha, a picnic in wooden huts – a perfect day. In the evening, a visit to the Apsara restaurant with a buffet and traditional dance performance rounded off the trip in style. <\/p>\n\n

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Picnic by the waterfall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Cold bath <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Feast in the buffet restaurant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

A touching farewell<\/h3>\n\n

On the last day, it was time to say goodbye. These days are always emotional. The children are grateful for this change – and so are we. Moments like these stay in your heart.It was wonderful once again. I will be back. <\/p>\n\n

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