Motorbikes for Cambodians

I am Cecil Holmes from Co Antrim in the North-East corner of the island of Ireland - former teacher and education administrator. I have been a volunteer educator in Cambodia (11 years). I also support a small business in Siem Reap, Tevy’s Place Restaurant. This is Sok Kouch’s story – a Cook.

“My name is Sok Kouch and my village is called Chreav. I cannot read or write. My parents were too poor to send me to school. I cannot read things like medicine labels. I want my two boys go to school. But I am worried about losing my job. My very old motorbike is always breaking. It is too far, and sometimes dangerous, to use a bicycle. Roads are being fixed and big lorries go fast. The drivers don’t see people on bicycles. Scary. A kind Khmer lady, Tevy, taught me how to cook in her restaurant (Tevy’s Place), where I work. I am lucky! With Covid, many businesses are closed, no jobs and many families have little food. I need a motorbike keep my job. If not, I won’t be able to send Dara and Piset to learn. I must support my mother too. I used my saved money to help my family and village when Covid came. I am just very worried now”. (Translated from Sok Kouch’s Khmer words)

Sok Kouch is one of five workers (4 female and 1 male) in Tevy’s Place Restaurant. Supporting women is one of the missions of Tevy’s business.

Cambodian people are amazing and it is a safe country to live in and to visit. But Covid has been devastating for an already poor country. One of the trainees was pushed off her bicycle on her way home, in the dark. She was petrified. The desperate young man was trying to take the food that Tevy had given her. A motorbike would be so much safer, especially for young women.

Tevy (Tevy’s Place) lost her father and three sisters in the Khmer Rouge genocide during the1970s. I first met Tevy when she had lost a business through no fault of her own. She struggled with indescribable courage to get ‘back on her feet”. She reminds me of my own mother! Miraculously, her business is still open in Siem Reap even though customer numbers are limited because of lack of tourists. She provides first class skills training for the five workers but worries about their wellbeing and safety. Motorbikes would make a world of difference to them, their safety and their lives. She hopes that you can help them keep their jobs!

The Cambodians are among the most kind, generous, spiritual, welcoming and loving people in the world. They captured my heart. Srey Non, Sok Kouch, John, Sotheary, and Srey Meah can capture yours too. Just allow them! Be part of their lives and their happiness.