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Cambodia Diary
December 20, 2002
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My name is Khim Seng, I am 37 years old. I was born in Monorom Commune, Than Pong District, Kom Pong Speu Province. When I was six years old my parents sent me to primary school; my family was so poor that they could not afford some money to buy materials for studying. Every morning I ate left over rice for breakfast I then had to walk 3 Km to school. I had no schoolbag, just a plastic bag for two writing books. After school I had to bring my fathers buffalo to the rice field for grazing, I also had to collect wood or wild vegetables in the forest and bring them to my home. I had to abandon my study because of the war, now my writing skills are very poor and I have to ask my friends to read the newspaper for me.
After my difficult childhood I am now happy. I saved my salary, got married and I now have four children. I am delighted to see my children going to school and learning, my generation is the lost generation due to the war. I will do everything I can to ensure that my children continue at school.
At the moment I am working in O'kroch minefield, which is funded by AAR/TBS. Work is going well and we have no problems. I am looking forward to getting my new uniform this month because my old one is getting very worn. Since I joined HALO I have found 34 mines and 27 UXO's, I am no longer afraid of the mines but I stick by the HALO rules.
I will always be grateful to HALO for the chance it has given me to rebuild my life and save money. I can now hold my head with pride because I no longer am an illiterate peasant, I am a deminer for the HALO Trust and my children are going to school.
Best regards
Khim Seng
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