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Trustee Visit to Cambodia: Day 7

Travelling day today – we’re back in Siem Reap for the final week of the trip – and a chance to post several visits we previously haven’t had space for.

Mutita is a textile factory on the outskirts of Battambang. It’s a social enterprise outreach run by Karuna Battambang Organization, an NGO of the Catholic church registered in Cambodia. The factory is ethically run, employs 35-60 people, mainly disabled and produces knitwear and t-shirts for customers in Spain, France and the US. Profits from the factory go to support other KBO social programmes.

In Pailin we visited the Marist Centre of Hope student hostels where last year Support Cambodia with Aylsham Rotary Club helped to establish a Water Filtration Plant in memory of Bob Maidment. Problems with water quality and the maintenance contract have meant testing the product is still continuing but it was good to see at first hand how the initiative is planned to develop.

We also visited the Daughters of Charity Sister House and student hostel, only completed in December. The Sisters entertained us to a delicious supper and we were able to meet some of the girls whose families our charity supports so that they can remain in school.

Finally, on Tuesday afternoon we were fortunate to be given a whole hour with the legendary Bishop Kike, known as “Bishop of the Wheelchairs” for his work with the disabled poor of Cambodia. As a young man Father Kike worked in the refugee camps along the Thai border after the Pol Pot genocide. He returned in 1992 and has worked with the poor and disadvantaged ever since so his insight is unique, inspiring and always worth listening to. Support Cambodia have had the privilege of knowing Father Kike for many years – it was really good to catch up with him. Okoon charen Lokpok Kike!

You can keep up to date with Katie and Maria’s visit to Cambodia right here on this website or on our Facebook page.