Unfortunately, due to the global spread of the new coronavirus, we were forced to cancel our activities in Cambodia this year.
In Cambodia, although the number of infected people was small, the government closed schools nationwide and restricted movement across provinces, so our local partner members were also unable to move around, and our activities were quite limited. However, in the midst of the emergency situation, members of the Snidaike Mail visited several schools and received reports on the situation from the local community.
Korentey Elementary School, Korentey Village, Banteay Minchey Province
We visited the village in September after the provincial border blockade was lifted and conducted hygiene and tooth brushing classes.
The village is located in a remote area in northwestern Cambodia, and fortunately was not affected by the new coronavirus, but classes were not being held due to the nationwide school blockade, so we asked the children to gather there on short notice.
Balangrek Elementary School, Balangrek Village, Kompong Thom Province
Masks and alcohol sanitizers were distributed as hygiene items and to prevent infectious diseases.
Handmade masks were given to the children.
Tagnen and Preypriel Village in Battambang Province
We have been implementing an agricultural support project in these two villages since 2014, but in October this year they were hit by flooding due to a typhoon and long rainy season, and their rice crop, which was just in harvest season, was severely damaged.
With the help of Ms. Sida, a staff member of G I Z (German International Cooperation), an international NGO in Cambodia, we were able to deliver disaster relief donations and hygiene products.
HOC Orphanage, Battambang Province
This year again, they let us know how the children are doing, full of energy.
As usual, everyone's toothbrushes arranged in an orderly fashion. According to the Japanese staff, they encourage the children to brush their teeth after each of their three meals, but it is impossible to keep track of everyone's activities, so they just ask.
"Did you brush your teeth? "Yes, I did! （I believe him, but I don't know if I do.) I believe them, but there may be some children who pretend to brush their teeth....
Future issues and Prospects
The number of people infected with the new coronavirus in Cambodia is by far the lowest in the world, and the situation does not appear to be that serious, even with the low number of tests.
However, the government's measures against infection are quite strict, with restrictions on movement across provinces and nationwide school closures, and the impact on the lives of the people is by no means small.
In Cambodia, where many factories are subcontracted to foreign companies, the decline in production orders has caused wages to fall and layoffs to occur, leading to an increase in unemployment and other economic hardships.
School closures, which were once lifted, were again closed in November due to the outbreak of a cluster within the government, and there is still no prospect of reopening schools. Flood damage caused by the typhoon that hit Cambodia in October and heavy rains during the rainy season also spread to the northeastern region of the country, and there are concerns about the impoverishment of rural areas.
What would happen if the virus were to spread among the poor in such a situation, and in a rural village with poor sanitation to begin with?
In light of this, it will be more important than ever to ensure good hygiene and knowledge of infection prevention.
We are currently working on the contents of a video that will be made to educate people about hygiene and infection prevention when the situation is somewhat under control and travel to Cambodia becomes possible, and even if travel to Cambodia is not possible, we believe that we can make and send out a video to raise awareness.
In the coming year, we hope to create and disseminate a collection of videos that will be fun for children to learn about hygiene, such as washing hands and brushing teeth, first aid, and prevention of infectious diseases, organized by key points.
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