Cambodia

Getting Accustomed to the Customs

By: Eric Lewis, PEPY Intern

It was not two weeks ago that I joined the PEPY family as their newest intern, and already this sojourn has proved edifying. Cambodia is a school—the smiling Khmer people its teachers, the rich culture its subject matter—and I am fortunate to be a student here. I arrived in the midst of Prachum Benda, a fifteen day Theravada Buddhist holiday in honor of the dead. For fourteen days the faithful carry out rituals intended to alleviate the suffering of their ancestors, and on the fifteenth day the festival culminates in Pchum Ben, a day of feasting and commemoration.

The festival and its rituals are fascinating for several reasons, but one aspect struck me in particular: the entire process is a service to those who died in a state of grievous karma. Most Cambodians (95% are Theravada Buddhists) believe in reincarnation, thus it is only the worst karmic offenders who would become trapped in the limbo of non-incarnation. And it is to these restless souls that the fifteen days are dedicated, so that the spirits might meditate and repent. What’s more, the festival is unique to Cambodia.

We can learn much about a culture by studying its holidays. What do the people celebrate? How do they celebrate? These are questions of values. People celebrate what they value, and in a manner that is sacred to them. Clearly, then, the Khmer people value reconciliation—a second chance for everyone. And how do they celebrate? By leaving the city in favor of the homeland, by spending time with family and praying for the forgiveness of others, by helping those who can no longer help themselves. A culture so benevolent and centered has a rich wisdom all its own, and I am eager for the lessons that the coming months will bring.

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Cambodia's Energy Dilemma

Development Issues PEPY Journal

It is no secret that Cambodia needs more energy resources. Currently, only about 20% of Cambodia’s population has access to reliable electricity. With a burgeoning economy, the demand for power will increase in the coming years. Presently, Cambodia has no national power grid; the majority of the country’s electricity comes from diesel-fueled power plants and private generators that meet only 75% of the demand. This translates to frequent blackouts and costly energy bills (third highest in the world according to the World Bank). Electricity prices are two to four times more expensive in Cambodia than in neighboring Thailand and Vietnam. The high cost of energy makes it difficult for businesses to compete in the region, especially in the industrial sector where electricity comprises a large percentage of production costs. The country needs to expand its local energy-generating capacity, but how to do so remains controversial.

PEPY Visits ACCB

Gibbon Last week most of our office team had the chance to visit the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB), located located near the famous temples of Angkor. The ACCB is the first nature conservation centre in Cambodia and aims to contribute to the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity in Cambodia.

In Chanleas Dai

The PEPY Team Journal

Community PEPY Journal

by Maryann Bylander

I love being at the PEPY Ride School in the rainy season. It's cooler, breathtakingly green, and there is a sense of renewal with constant planting going on around me.

Today I took one of the new basket bikes and headed to nearby Kralanh. It's a ride I've done several times before on PEPY Tours, and one I've fully enjoyed on my snazzy trek mountain bike as it is typically the last 9km of a much longer day, and I always have a sense of excitement bringing volunteers to the school for the first time. The shocks, gears, and fat tires help too.

This afternoon, though, I went with my basket bike. I figured it would be nice to see how it is to take this route the same way that Khmer students do when they make the daily trek to and from high school. I was also craving an iced coffee from my favorite Kralanh restaurant and a long bike ride. Truth be told, I've yet to find a good form of exercise here at the school. Running draws attention to me that I'm still a little uncomfortable with here, and I still get freaked out by the dogs chasing me. On this trip I brought a jump rope hoping to use that for a little exercise, but I didn't count on the throngs of kids across the street running my way as soon as they saw me skipping around. Somehow I couldn't bring myself to tell them I was trying to up my heartrate and didn't want to play….

Going Green(er)

The PEPY Team Journal

A few days ago, the PEPY Team brainstormed opportunities for us to become more environmentally friendly. We're hoping to implement some ideas on future tours and through future projects, but here are some ways in which we've committed as individuals to reduce waste in Cambodia and beyond. Feel free to share your ideas with us by posting comments below!