One of the major projects for Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) in 2015 is to seek funding for the development of a village on land that is adjacent to the Marist’s LaValla School in Cambodia.
The village will initially include six homes and some common areas, like a library and computer centre for 60 students attending local high schools and university.
The development is part of the Marist’s Inclusive Education Program for young people who are often excluded from access to education by disability, especially in the provinces.
AMS’s funding partner in Spain, Manos Unidas, suggested that AMS Executive Director Br Allen Sherry, and a board member of the local non-government organisation—Marist Solidarity Cambodia, visit the Jesuit vocational training centre Banteay Prieb in Cambodia to help with planning.
Banteay Prieb, or The Centre of the Dove, is a place for landmine and polio victims to receive training in skills and arts. It also provides education for people with intellectual disabilities to help them gain employment skills.
The vision of Banteay Prieb is to develop the life skills of people in this community so they can live independently and be self-reliant.
Br Allen visited Banteay Prieb last month. He says he is particularly interested in the design of houses.
“They are simple and functional and an ideal model of family life in the provinces,” says Br Allen.
Houses include one sleeping area, a kitchen, and bathroom. Common spaces are outdoors.
Br Allen says, “Our Marist Solidarity Cambodia Village project is likewise, but with a focus on formal education access.”
He says that a number of students from LaValla are presently studying at Banteay Prieb, and it was a great chance for them to reconnect with Br Tony Burrows, who is working at LaValla and Villa Maria.
Br Allen says, “We were warmly welcomed by Fr Gabriel SJ, who also is leading a very significant ecological project replacing endangered species in forests.”
To find out more visit the Marist Solidarity Cambodia Village webpage.
Photo: Fr Gabriel SJ, Br Tony and Br Allen inspecting village accommodation. Photo by: Paul Brooks, St Josephs College, Hunters Hill