I visited our project in Cambodia again this year in March 2025. After a long flight via Bangkok and a short onward flight to Siem Reap, I was warmly welcomed by Theavy and Patrik. Together we headed straight to Battambang – the starting point for an eventful week.
Fabric search with obstacles
After a quick lunch on the day of arrival, we went to the market. Our usual fabric market had unfortunately fallen victim to a fire, so we had to go to a new market in search of beautiful sarong fabrics. The aim was to find a set of colors with an identical pattern – especially a bright red. Even though we couldn’t find this particular red, we finally found an exciting alternative to fill our stock.
The search for fabric was, as always, a test of patience. Many patterns were only available in a few colors, some were no longer in stock – and when we finally found what we were looking for, the haggling over the price began. But in the end we were happy with our haul.
Reunion at the Safe House
The next morning, we visited the Safe House – as always, a particularly warm moment. The children have now set up a small library from which they can borrow books. One of the older pupils is responsible for handing out books – a small step towards more reading enjoyment and language development.
I also had a replacement display for our embroidery machine in my luggage. It was installed immediately – mission accomplished! Now the training can begin. The embroidery machine is not only intended for customized products from Femmes des rizières, but should also contribute to create a local income opportunity.
Product development & new plans
We spent the afternoon reviewing our samples and further developing the prototypes. We also decided to equip the studio with a new, insect-resistant cabinet so that we could store the products better.
Another highlight was a visit to a photographer to take professional photos of our new products. A lot of explanation was needed here – his focus is normally on wedding photography, but our requirements were of course very different.
A visit to the “Black Man”
One evening, we made an offering – in the form of chicken, water, flowers and incense sticks – to the “Black Man”, a local spiritual figure. After the symbolic “feeding”, we were allowed to take the food back and bring it to the children in the Safe House – a beautiful combination of tradition and community.
Help for a remote school
The next day, we drove to a very poor, rural school. 189 pupils received school materials that we had brought with us – a welcome support, as the school has not received any help so far. The children are remarkably small and many suffer from malnutrition. A school feeding program was urgently requested – a wish that we hope to be able to fulfill soon.
Final event: excursion to Siem Reap
As always, the traditional trip to Siem Reap was a highlight – for the children and for us. The anticipation was huge, the mood exuberant. After checking into the hotel, we went to a buffet restaurant – and it was impressive how much seafood was eaten!
The visit to the Kulen waterfall was an unforgettable nature experience: swimming in the ice-cold water, a temple with a reclining Buddha, a picnic in wooden huts – a perfect day. In the evening, a visit to the Apsara restaurant with a buffet and traditional dance performance rounded off the trip in style.
A touching farewell
On the last day, it was time to say goodbye. These days are always emotional. The children are grateful for this change – and so are we. Moments like these stay in your heart.
It was wonderful once again. I will be back.
