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A self-reflection photography journey by Alex Soh R o a d – Give us a Road, and we’ll know how to walk out of poverty ourselves. Cambodia is a country in Indo-China. Something glistens there; a pearl. The Angkor Wat, a National Heritage Site draws many visitors from around the world. War is ruthless, and it has led Cambodia to poverty. Lacking medical facilities, the people there may not live beyond 57 years old on average. As developed nations grapple with the issue of greying population, there is no such problem here. Instead, there are malnourished children everywhere. That trip will forever be imprinted in my mind. We asked the villagers if they needed any help, and if we could provide any material aid. Their reply was “Give us a road, and we’ll know how to walk out of poverty ourselves.” It was an answer full of dignity and wisdom. Simple words yet so powerful. Because of those words, I know, I will be back one day… My second visit to Cham Resh was in end-April 2010, this time with 4 like-minded friends from Singapore. The dry season offered a different sight of the same journey. The lush paddies have now become cracked and parched. Dependent on the fields for sustenance, the ground has robbed the villagers of their main activity. They, however, did not sit around and do nothing. Instead, young and old, they congregated to learn survival skills, so they may live on. It is difficult for us, materially-sufficient people, to imagine that in modern times like these, that there are still people living without water and electricity. When we deliberate between distilled water and mineral water, all these Cambodia people have got, is mud water. When our children scream at the sight of ants, to the Cambodian children, they are grateful to the insects because they provide them with some much needed nourishment. To them, ant soup is a rare delicacy reserved only for the hosting of guests. Of course, we accepted the kind gesture with some trepidation. Nightfall in Cham Resh is like a vacuum of darkness. An entrepreneur Alvin Goh, who went along on the trip, asked a young man, “It is so dark at night. What is there to do?” He answered simply, “Though outside is dark, our heart is light and our mind is clear!” Not only have poverty and darkness failed to erode the villagers’ dignity, it has added to their grip for life. Modernization may have abandoned them, but in its absence, the most beautiful humanity has blossomed. I have decided to follow in Dr King Gan’s footsteps, to use my professional skills to do something for them. I am grateful for technology, that I may use my SLR camera to capture the touching scenes and pictures, to tell the colourful stories behind these black and white stills. If the stories touched you in any way, you too can contribute to make the path of the Cambodian people a better one. I firmly believe that, sincerity transcends distance. Please note that we will be selling some postcards and prints. All the funds collected will go to building a 4.5km road for the people in Cham Resh, Cambodia. For those who share my sentiments, I Salute and Thank You. For more information email to: one@alexsohphotography.com Project ROAD Chapter 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAO3u9g07qc&feature=related Project ROAD Chapter 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcI1dahVCzA&feature=related Project ROAD Chapter 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwh5imN3-xs&feature=related Come and be part of this meaningful journey. |
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___24 Feb 2009 ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
_ _ ![]() Dear Friends, Thank you for all your generosity and support towards The Rice Project. The Rice Project Photo Exhibition has been very well received. Up to date we have about 1.8 million people hit our website: http://www.thericeproject.com, and thousands of people came for the exhibition. The TV news both Chinese and English interview us and broadcast in Asia, the news paper as well. It has been an amazing journey and a meaningful project. We are so excited that through the lens we could create such a great impact and to bring hope to the refugees in Sri Lanka. With only SG$2000 you are not just building a house for them, but creating a home. We are hoping to raise SG$100, 000 to build 50 houses. We hope that corporates would come forward to donate generously. All donations will go to Habitat for Humanity and cheque should be cross and make payable to Habitat for Humanity Singapore (with The Rice Project written on the back of the cheque) We are now looking forward to working with Habitat for Humanity for the restoration of houses. Many friends has shown their interest and we are now in the progress of planing the trip. The Rice Project journey will be capture and there after published into a coffee table book, we are now looking for company who wants to order the coffee table book or to have your logo published in the book and to use it as your corporate gift to your clients. For more information email to: one@alexsohphotography.com and info@thericeproject.com Come and be part of this meaningful journey. |
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___7 Feb 2009
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A N__ I N V I T A T I O N Dear friends, |