An Introduction

Most of you reading this know that I am an International Development Studies graduate. You likely also know that I wrote my thesis on land grabs and governance in Cambodia, undertaking field research in Cambodia with the help of Oxfam GB. Three years have passed and I've returned to this beautiful country to work with Cambodians via VSO and CUSO International as a Local Governance Advisor in Chetr Borei District, Kratie Province. There'll be many challenges establishing the good governance model for VSO Cambodia as one of only 5 volunteers in this new sector, and as the first volunteer in this placement. I think I'm up for it!

I hope this blog proves to be a positive reflection on challenges I encounter working and living in Cambodia, and will also document my growth as I better understand this complex country. With any luck, there will be some entertainment value to this blog as well; I am sure to write about living in Cambodia as a barang (foreigner) and all the cultural shocks and questions that arise.

The first question for me, as always, is: How do I begin?

So, work it is!

As those that have perused my pictures on Facebook know, I am office-less at my job here in Chetr Borei District. Before arriving in the country, my placement document did advise me that the district had a building without electricity, running water, or toilets about 14 km from town. I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived, but I've found that the Second Deputy Governor of the Chetr Borei District has provided her home as the headquarters for the Governor and his staff in Kratie town. A bonus for me is that this is about a 2 minute bicycle ride from my house. I've been working there for the past 2 weeks without a desk or overhead lighting, with intermittent access to the internet from her family's guesthouse next door, and with kids peaking over my shoulder to look at me typing on my laptop. This is not ideal. My Volunteer Assistant (VA) Virack isn't so thrilled with this set-up either, but we've got to be flexible.

The future home of Chetr Borei District authorities

 Another catch is that we are not in Chetr Borei District but in Kratie Town and Kratie District. I feel distanced from the community and know that citizen access to the District government is very limited. To get to the building in Chetr Borei where they hold meetings takes about 30 minutes from home on my Honda Dream. (Virack is driving me for now, until I get comfortable on my motorcycle. The rainy season has so far prevented me from getting out and practising.) They are building a new building and hope that it will be complete in 2014 but concerns have already been expressed over the lack of funds for utilities. Once the office is complete the Governor and Councillors will work together in the same location. I am sure the place will be ready to go by the time I'm ready to leave in June 2015...but best not to get my hopes up!