By Jenny Boyd,
EthicalTraveler.org
In February, a group of 30 volunteers left from San Francisco to begin the first-ever U.S. Peace Corps mission to Cambodia, a nation in Southeast Asia recovering from years of war and upheaval. Volunteers will teach English to secondary school children as well as work within communities to help improve living standards.
The 1970's and 1980's brought war to Cambodia, including clashes with the United States in response to the Vietnam War, civil war, and over a million deaths perpetrated by the brutal regime of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge.
Today the country is at peace, is a growing democracy, and is struggling to overcome the various challenges created by its violent past. However, according to the 2006 Global Hunger Index of the International Food Policy Research Institute, Cambodia is rated as one of 12 "hunger hot spots" in the world. Most of the population exists on the equivalent of one dollar a day or less.
According to the Peace Corp press release, " Cambodians are eager to improve their lives, and many view acquiring English language skills as a means to help accomplish this goal." The ability to speak and understand English is seen as vital to finding employment in the tourist trade, one of the fastest growing industries in the country.
"More people are coming to the country now and they use English to communicate with tourists." stated volunteer Nathalie Galiotto of her work in the eastern province of Kampong Cham. "English is becoming more important for Cambodia because the country is opening up to tourism."
According to Wikipedia, in 2007, visitors to Cambodia surpassed 1.7 million. Main tourist attractions include the temples of Angkor, Phnom Penh, and the beaches of Sihanoukville.
The 1970's and 1980's brought war to Cambodia, including clashes with the United States in response to the Vietnam War, civil war, and over a million deaths perpetrated by the brutal regime of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge.
Today the country is at peace, is a growing democracy, and is struggling to overcome the various challenges created by its violent past. However, according to the 2006 Global Hunger Index of the International Food Policy Research Institute, Cambodia is rated as one of 12 "hunger hot spots" in the world. Most of the population exists on the equivalent of one dollar a day or less.
According to the Peace Corp press release, " Cambodians are eager to improve their lives, and many view acquiring English language skills as a means to help accomplish this goal." The ability to speak and understand English is seen as vital to finding employment in the tourist trade, one of the fastest growing industries in the country.
"More people are coming to the country now and they use English to communicate with tourists." stated volunteer Nathalie Galiotto of her work in the eastern province of Kampong Cham. "English is becoming more important for Cambodia because the country is opening up to tourism."
According to Wikipedia, in 2007, visitors to Cambodia surpassed 1.7 million. Main tourist attractions include the temples of Angkor, Phnom Penh, and the beaches of Sihanoukville.
2 comments:
Let Brainstorm and Debate:
Khmer Rouge's trial in Cambodia is just a myth, a political oriented trial and an instrument of Vietnam to legitimize its invasion, influence and occupation in Cambodia. Or it is important to try few surviving KR cadres for people justice? Which one is more serious than? Or do we have other good solution?
The debate for our young generation and everybody would significantly focus on:
1. Which one is more important between the invasion of Vietnam and the ignorant leading of the KR in the past?
Tip:
- Present Cambodia situation, the Khmer Rouge (KR) is already powerless and dead...so all Khmers still happy with Vietnam's invasion in January 7, 1979-till now or revenge the dead KR regime between 1975-79?
Answer the question, please Khmer compatriots, especially young generaiton!
Bati... answer to Khmer Young.
The killing of Khmer people started along time ago. But I just want to bring up the French control
time. Does Japaness order Thailand to invaded Battambang and Siem Reap? Does Sihanouk killed Preap In
and other ? Does Lon Nol killed some Khmer? From 1970 until present time the killing still tahe place. The US B-52 drop bomb,
What is there intention? Killing or blessing from angle? Vietnam invaded Cambodia in 1979, I am sure
they killed many Khmer! HS and Ranarith fight they killed some Khmer. When some one want to move
up possition in government, soneone get killed. Any action for power is killing invole absolutly.
Therefore; the trial not just KR,
but every leaders. This is my opinions Khmer Young. Thanks
Post a Comment