Copy right; Right to copy

by Soratha Chan

Monks in Angkor Wat. Picture: Sandra Bulling

I feel that I’ve just arrived in Germany a few days ago; however, it is nearly two months. I started my life here without any knowledge. I have to learn new things like I did when I was a child raised by my mother. But my mother is not here—she is in Cambodia. So I decided to explore this world by myself. I didn’t understand the bus and train system, culture, lifestyle and language. I was guided a lot by my friends and CARE colleagues. Now, I understood what my friend told me—“Enjoy your great adventure.” Two months in Bonn is not only for internship, but also for trying new things and making new friends. I really don’t know how to describe my feeling right now when talking about going back home. (more…)

Look back, look ahead

by Soratha Chan

The graves of the 14 inmates killed when the Khmer Rouge collapses in January, 7, 1979. Photo: Sovannara Chan

I had to queue with a lot of people. I was about to give up my aspiration before I finally could reach my destination: Anne Frank house, in Netherland. I really wondered what was inside. After waiting for 80 minutes, I could get into the house. I walked slowly with other tourists. We observed and read everything carefully. I did not want to lose any information in this house. There were photos and description hung on the wall. (more…)

Child Labour

by Soratha Chan

Two boys are selling cakes and sweet at Wat Phnom, Hill Temple Photo: Kounila Keo

Kunthea told me that he has just finished high school and wanted to be an engineer because he liked construction job. These words remind about a young boy, Nou Veasna, who I met earlier this year in Phnom Penh because he told me that he want to be a garment factory worker, instead of getting an education and a better job. So far, his words are remaining in my mind. (more…)

It will haunt you, if not solved

by Soratha Chan

Mr.Nass, 79 and Ms. Zahlmann, 59 are walking around Beethoven Statue in Bonn. Photo: S.Chan

Germans are really healthy people. They can walk very swiftly; even old people can travel on foot quicker than I do. They are truly healthier than old people in Cambodia that I had seen. The life expectancy of Germans is far greater than that of Cambodians. In Germany, lifespan today is approximately 79.1 years of age while in Cambodia it is around 61.69 years. Pension can make Germans enjoy their retirement peacefully. I did not see such a reliable service available in my country at all. (more…)

Give me a chance

by Soratha Chan

The members of CPP Party are waving the party flags for the final campaign day, 25^th July. Picture: Sovannara Chan

The 27th of July was the national Election Day in Cambodia. It was the fourth mandate election after the 1st UN-backed election in 1993. However, I could not join the election this year. Now, I am in Germany to work on my two-month internship with CARE. I am a Cambodian. I want to have the leader that can reduce poverty and cement democracy. (more…)

Who is the winner?

by Soratha Chan

The entrance of Preah Vihear temple situates ontop of a 525-metre-cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains in the Preah Vihear Province of Cambodia.

Preah Vihea temple became a hot headline in the press, both local and international. First, the news was about the temple which was listed as world heritage status. Then, it was about the dispute around Cambodia-Thai border. As far as I know, the dispute occurred on the 15^th of June, nine days after the temple was honoured as world heritage status by UNESCO. (more…)