Pot is a 40’s years old disabled Cambodian. He is in the street, begging for his family, for five years. We know Pot for two years by passing a front of him everyday and helping by giving him some supplies every time we can.
He lives near the province of Kandal, 30 minutes away from his spot in a little house with his wife, children and his in-law family. We got there in March 2021 and were welcomed by the full family.
His wife Chanak is 30’s years old, she worked for a long time in the field of agriculture with her family. Until she got her last daughter, who is now three years old. She is now taking care of the whole family. She and Pot got married in 2012 and together they have three children.
The eldest is a boy of 12 Theara, the second, a boy of 6 Thearith and the youngest, as said 3 Theary. They were all attending Jompok'aek School until Covid19 pandemic starts.
They no longer go to school, so their father: Pot teaches them when he comes home in the evening.
Pot is disabled since he was born, he had poliomyelitis. (a contagious disease caused by a virus (the poliovirus) that invades the nervous system and can lead to irreversible paralysis.
Twice a day Pot takes a motorbike taxi (eight dollars to come to Phnom Penh each day two return ways) Money he has to beg for.
Six years ago, he worked as a volunteer in a church, receiving food for his family in exchange. But unfortunately, the church closed, and Pot found himself without a permanent job.
With his disability it is very difficult for him to find a job, so he receives regular help from Shanty Town Spirit.
During our visit we faced the extremely difficult situation they are in. We manage to bring two bicycles. We managed to buy because of the financial help from our donors.
A big thank you to them, those bikes are essential as they live far from the city and tuk tuks are expensive.
One bike is for his wife so she can do the food shopping, and the other is for his two sons to enable them to go back to school when the schools reopen.
They also received baby milk, fruits and some money from Shanty Town Spirit to compensate this day of work as we ask him to stay home with his family. On that day he had swollen feet, so he was very happy to have a day off.
We also discussed with them different ideas we could put in place so that Pot would no longer beg, for example: sell tissue masks, or fruits along the streets etc... Not so easy for the moment. Any new Idea is most welcome if you have some.We take every possibility into consideration.
We keep on looking how is the best way to help Pot and his family, even though the world is facing a tremendous epidemic.
Let’s hope to find solution for this wonderful family.
Thank you for them and Shanty Town Spirit for your support during this difficult time.
One Spirit, One Heart, One Community
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To support communities so as to improve their quality of life.
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Contact Ermine Norodom: +855 (0) 17 49 27 19 (French and English)
norodomermine@gmail.com
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