Progress made (written end 2016)

Once I had gone 'public' about the family's difficulties and plights - through my travel blogs and this little web site that I created - and asking if any friends would like to help them, I was thrilled that a number of people responded and assisted in many ways.

Some pledged a monthly donation, others gave various donations - and I was able to prepare the way in which we could all assist the family. There were priorities... food, schooling, their home etc.

Initially I ensured that they had enough money for rice.... that they would never again end the day having not eaten!

It was also essential that the children attended school each day - and schooling was paid for - and the essentials for their education - notebooks and pencils etc.

It was also essential that they kept a roof over their heads - even if it was a leaky roof - where the rain still pours in. So, I ensured that Mao paid the rent each month - and the costs for power and water.

This was the minimum I wanted - and the family were unbelievably grateful to everyone for all the help they received. I know they found it so difficult to understand that this 'miracle' had happened to them.

I had discussions with Mao about the small and inconsistent income that they had. This was very much dependent upon the number of tourists there - very few for several months during the rainy season and therefore very little - or even no income.

A relative large outgoing for them was the cost involved getting to and from the beach to work where the tourists were. Whilst the mum does massage on the beach and she is probably in her mid-forties, she needed a moto bike taxi to get there and back - often shared with other 'working' members of the family. This could often incur costs of $2-$5 dollars each day - sometimes more than what they earned in that day.

I had previously looked at the costs of second hand bikes on a previous visit before deciding that in May 2016 they should become the proud owners of a motor bike. I had mentioned this to a few people and one very kind individual gave me a substantial sum towards it - for which the family and myself will be eternally grateful. A motor bike was purchased, had the blessings from Buddha and in return Buddha was offered fruit and incense and the bike became almost one of the family.

As there are no formal requirements for owning and driving a motorbike in Cambodia, Mao was nominated the main driver (although the two other eldest brothers could drive it too) and the bike was soon in daily use. This proved an amazing purchase. Obviously it was a tremendous boost to the family - where Mao would take and collect the 'workers' from the beach and his mum to the market to purchase a large bag of rice etc. and obviously save them a considerable amount of money (by their standards) each month.

The other factor was the change in Mao - as a person. Previously he slept long hours, was often very despondent with his life (not surprising really) and had little to look forward to. From the day the bike was purchased he changed dramatically. He was now the focal point of the family... taxi driver for them going to and from the beach. He had purpose in life - and he even took it upon himself to do some moto taxi driving for a small cost to neighbours. On odd occasions he would treat himself to a little ride out of town to some other local beach etc. Every time I skyped with him he had the biggest grin on his face imaginable and would tell me how happy he was with his life!

In late 2016, Ngeang (as I now believe it is spelt) gave up selling sunglasses and began work in one of the beach bar/restaurants. The downside is that he almost lives there - as he sleeps there overnight (as night watchman). Another plus was that Moi (the daughter) also works part-time there with Ngeang when not at school. Whilst the wages are very poor, it is some regular income and gives them hope and a purpose.

Gdam is a bit of a problem for one or two reasons. He no longer attends school and works on the beach selling bracelets. There are other issues that need addressing but there are difficulties due to culture.

As for the two little boys... well, they are just so special.

I know it was very difficult for them to 'accept' me - much of it due to their shyness with strangers and I guess the cultural differences - but gradually they have overcome that. Now they look forward to me going to visit them. If I walk along with the family they often walk at the side of me - each holding one of my hands. When I treat them to a meal on the beach I have to have one seated at each side of me. They also know a few words of English - and can count to ten in English too. They both attend school and are doing well (how lovely they look in their uniforms!).

They are cute. They are a little cheeky in their own way. They are funny. They are special.

Due to the help of my friends, the family now have a stable life - where they know they will have rice, a (leaky) roof over their heads and I have promised them that they will not return to the poverty of the past.

I have gradually been able to treat them to new clothes which they are thrilled at. Mao only had two pairs of boxer shorts a few years ago - and probably only a couple of worn t-shirts and shorts. Like any teenagers, when I give them a little money to treat themselves they love to buy a t-shirt or shorts (Ngeang loves the Porsche clothes - fake obviously) and the transformation in their appearance is amazing. Not only does their appearance look so good - but their self esteem and confidence rockets too. It really is special to see.

The family still live in appalling conditions - unbelievable for people in the UK - but overall there as been a big improvment in all their lives - and so a masive, massive thanks from them (they do ask me to thank the people that help them) and from me (as I know what a difference your help has made).

They love recording little 'thank you' videos for you (sorry I am slow at loading these up onto this web site) and dress in their best clothes etc - obviously feeling like film stars!

Obviously I intend to continue to visit them (how I wish Cambodia was much nearer to the UK!) and I will continue to report on their progress. Your donations are so very much appreciated - and needed. The last thing I would want is for them to return to how they were..... well, I will not let it happen!

Olly's Thoughts...

(written 2016)

In the summer of 2016 my personal travels took me to South America. Unusually, I did not travel alone. A young friend - Oliver Pickard - travelled with me as he was very keen to visit Machu Picchu - which was one of the places I was planning to visit. In the process of planning our travels, he told me he wanted to continue travelling after South America - heading to South-East Asia.

He knew of my visits to Cambodia and was also keen to visit Mao and his family if at all possible. I asked him that if he did visit Mao, would he be kind enough to write a summary of his visit - and his views.

I kept in touch with both Mao and Olly - as Olly travelled around South East Asia and thankfully they were able to meet up.

Afterwards, I received this (below) and I am very grateful to Olly for making the time and effort to visit them and write about his experience meeting the family.