Dominated by the fluctuations of the Tonle Sap Lake is the large village of Kompong Kleang, near Siem Reap. It’s located on the northern edge of the lake, about 55km east of Siem Reap. With a population of well over 15,000 it is the largest community on the lake and consists of 10 individual villages.
Due to seasonal flooding, water levels here can vary from 0 to over 15 feet so houses are built on huge stilts and for part of the year access is only by boat. Families exist on the proceeds of fishing and dependent services such as fish smoking,making prahoc (fish sauce), basket weaving and pottery. The village has adapted to the lake’s dynamic ecosystem and this allows residents to live comfortably with the fluctuating water levels.
Although Kompong Kleang experienced hardship during the Khmer Rouge time with many residents displaced, the villagers returned, rebuilding their community and re-establishing traditional customs and beliefs. Due to its remote location Kompong Kleang has therefore remained relatively untouched by mass tourism though day trips are increasingly popular with visitors keen to experience ‘authentic Cambodia’ at first hand.
There’s been a centre in Kompong Kleang for some years, run by the Catholic Church.
Here, there is St. Mary’s School, comprising a 30-strong kindergarten which operates 5 mornings a week and a primary school for Grades 1-4 who come in the afternoons. Then, on Saturdays 80 -100 older children come for Khmer class, singing, dancing and rice soup.
Two teachers cover all these activities and it’s a popular centre which provides a unique facility for the local community. All the children who come here are Buddhist – their parents send them here because the teaching is good, the standard above average and the children are happy.
Although the dominant language is Khmer, there is also a sizable Vietnamese population in Kompong Kleang. Historically the two nationalities have not always been the best of friends so living and working here can be a real challenge.
Father Yacob Chilka has responsibility for the Centre but there is little regular funding and he relies mainly on donations from visitors and friends. Meaningful development is therefore an uphill struggle.
Trustees Maria Brown and Katie Maidment visited the Centre and the village in January and recommended that Support Cambodia make Kompong Kleang the focus for the charity’s summer fundraising.
HOW HAVE WE DONE SO FAR?
1. Stalls at Aylsham & Upton raised £580 – enough for 6 months Saturday Rice Soup
2. The teacher’s salaries up to January 2026 have been paid for by a generous individual donor and her family.
3. The charity has paid for a much-needed loudspeaker system which is in daily use.
Thank you for your help so far.
WHAT ELSE DO WE HOPE TO DO? another 6 months Rice Soup? finance to help build up the land around the Centre against flooding? Classroom equipment?
Proceeds from our final events of the summer will go towards these objectives.
SAVE THE DATES: SATURDAY 9th AUGUST and SUNDAY 21st SEPTEMBER
Details on the DIARY page of this website
