Edward (Eamonn) Conway's Volunteering Venture To Cambodia.

From Edward Conway's own perspective;

Let me be brief I am Edward Conway, from Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, on my bucket list of visits to see in the world was to see the mighty 7th wonder of the world the “Angkor Wat” in Cambodia.
Angkor Wat, in its beauty and state of preservation, is unrivaled. Its mightiness and magnificence bespeak a pomp and a luxury surpassing that of a Pharaoh or a Shah Jahan, an impressiveness greater than that of the Pyramids, an artistic distinctiveness as fine as that of the Taj Mahal. Angkor Wat is located about six kilometers (four miles) north of Siem Reap, south of Angkor Thom. Angkor Wat was built in the first half of the 12th century (113-5BC). Estimated construction time of the temple is 30 years by King Suryavarman II, dedicated to Vishnu (Hindu), replica of Angkor Thom style of art.

Angkor Wat, the largest monument of the Angkor group and the best preserved, is an architectural masterpiece. Its perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief's and sculpture make it one of the finest monuments in the world.

Wat is the Khmer name for temple (the French spelling is "vat "), which was probably added to "Angkor "when it became a Theravada Buddhist monument, most likely in the sixteenth century. After 1432 when the capital moved to Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat was cared for by Buddhist monks.
It is generally accepted that Angkor Wat was a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II and oriented to the west to conform to the symbolism between the setting sun and death. Angkor Wat


Whilst touring this country witnessing its beauty and also the kindness in the people after so much turmoil there from the butchery and mass deaths, I came across a gentleman doing things on the ground and that I building water pumps I asked more questions of him, and his name is Kim, so I will let him talk more now on the subject;


“I (Kim) have been working as tour guide for decades, and meet many people around the world. But as I told Edward Conway, he was the first Irish man that I met and the most open person I had met ever, always smiling and wanting to know different topics.


When I was young, I could not go to school because of fighting. From the age of 5 to 10 years old, I just took care of the buffaloes and cows.... I used to drink dirty water with cows and buffaloes also... So I want to help the poor people with these clean water wells.
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I was always dreaming about helping the other people. I studied in the field of accounting and finance. Between 1999 to 2005, the university was only in Phnom Penh. So I went to Phnom Penh and worked and saved for university. I graduated and worked as an accountant few a years, I was not happy with this job, so I quit, then I studied in tourism, since 2003 I then became a tour guide. I love this job as I meet many people from around the world, exchanged knowledge and cultures.... Most of my clients are very nice and tolerant. After a period of exchange of information some of my clients always asked me how they could help the Cambodian people ?


As the world knows from 1970 to 1998, there was a civil war, killing fields all over Cambodia, civil war, many people were killed and houses and lives destroyed. So now our people are very poor but we have open hearts. We have a lot of NGOs but most of funds get spent on administration


Then I have got an idea is to help my people by building the wells for clean water. When our family is drinking clean water then our family will be healthy, we don't spend a lot of money on our health. With this water, people could use it for watering their vegetable patch in their garden too. If we buy them breads, they eat and are full for one day, but if we build them the well they can use it for many years...


So since 2005, as a tour guide I have received many funds for building the water wells.
My project cost for one well is just €220, it includes 10 years maintenance. We provide this to the poorest families personally, but other families who live nearby by can also use this.
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As you know most of Cambodian are very family orientated.
I am waiting to hear good news from you and when I get fund I will build it as soon as possible.


Best regards and hank you for any help
KIM


My email for direct contact is: [email protected]