|
Cambodia Diary
15 - 21 September, 2003
|
I am Mom Puy, 33, living in Chong Samnay village, Chrey commune, Moung Russei district, Battambang province. I am married and I have three children. Before working for HALO trust, I joined the military police after I had left school at grade 8 in 1989. When my unit was based at Cambodian-Thai border I was involved in frequent fighting. I continued with police until 1993, and then transferred to be a soldier of Royal Cambodian Armed Force, getting paid 58,000 Riels per month (about $17). I was demobilized from the military in 2000.
I joined the HALO Trust only six months ago. Tasaen Village-1 is the fourth minefield I worked in and I haven’t found any mine here yet but my colleagues have. Tasaen Village 1 minefield has dense vegetation and rocky ground which hinders manual demining. It is a good task as it extends the safe area for people in whole Tasaen village for resettlement and agriculture. Today is 21st September, the last day of demining cycle. Every year in September we have a traditional ceremony called “P’chum Ben”, a celebration of providing food for ancestors and deceased relatives. So once we all get paid our salary on the 22nd we will all gladly rush to go home to meet their family and start the celbrations.
Working for The HALO Trust not only provides a good life support for me and my family but it also makes a difference to the lives of the people of Cambodia who are at risk from the mine and UXO threat. I would like to thank The HALO Trust and donors for funding to support mineclearance in Cambodia, especially ZERO Landmines Campaign “AAR/TBS ’’ who fund my section. I do hope there will be no mine accidents and no more landmines in Cambodia in the future.
Best wishes.
Mom Puy
|
|
|