Schedule change – a regular occurrence in these parts! Instead of the planned visit to the Floating School, we enjoyed a hugely successful morning with the ladies of Betty’s Dressmaking Group.
This community initiative is based at Piaksnaeng, about an hour north of Siem Reap in the Angkor Wat area. Our charity have supported this group for over three years, paying the sewing teacher’s salary and providing materials. In the three years since the group started, their skills have improved beyond recognition and there are now nine women coming regularly. Children too small for the adjacent kindergarten are looked after on site while the women sew. They receive a small percentage from the sale of everything they make: the rest goes back into the group. The women are encouraged to save via Betty’s microfinance scheme and once a month toiletries are distributed after a health & hygiene class.
It’s a happy place, very well run, with lots of laughter and clearly plays an important part in local community life.
As we knew, Betty was away on leave but we had pre-ordered a new design of headscarf and some bespoke bags. The women had really pulled the stops out and made a great selection…it was so hard to choose! Finally, choices were made and the items will be on sale from Support Cambodia from April.
Huge thanks to Sochea and all the ladies, to Mao for driving us/translating and to Fr Totet for his usual guidance and insight.
A bizarre sound awaits as we return to the hotel: “Have yourself a Merry little Christmas”, “Let it Snow” and other ‘seasonal’ favourites on loop in the pool area. It’s over 32c today! But then…this is Cambodia!
You can keep up to date with Katie and Maria’s visit to Cambodia right here on this website or on our Facebook page.
