From Enemy to Brotherhood

From August 9-15, Annie Bergman, Copywriter for Marketing and Resource Development (MRD) of Heifer International, and Matt Bradley, contracted photographer for MRD, made a visit to Heifer project sites in Cambodia’s three provinces – former Khmer Rouge (KR) zone. The purpose of their visit was to collect impact stories and take photos of project participants’ activities for marketing efforts.

Eighty-five percent of Cambodians are farmers. Cattle and buffalo are main source of draft power for the farmers in rice production.

The visiting team passed by several villages which were quiet since most farm families went out to work at the field very early due it being the cultivation season. With packed breakfast to have in the field, the visiting team left provincial town at dawn to reach a project site on time. Project participants were using Heifer cattle and buffalo at their field, as real activities could be captured and photographed.

“I am most impressed with the attitude of everyone, especially the project participants, mainly because they seem to be so forward looking,” said Annie, adding, “They did well, really focusing on what could be and it was very optimistic.”

On the fourth day of the trip, the team visited a disabled group in a remote area where it used to be a stronghold of former KR during the war. After reintegration of the KR troops with the government in 1996, the area can be safely accessed. Many farm families from other places have moved to live in this area for agriculture production. Most former KR soldiers became ordinary people/farmers starting their new life barehanded, as nothing was left after the war ravage. To encourage the farm families to live with solidarity and work together to combat hunger and poverty, an inclusive Self-Help Group (SHG) of 18 families of disabled people who are former KR and government solders was formed in 2007, implementing the Heifer-funded, “Empowerment of SHG for Sustainable Livelihood Development” project (#22-0030-25-03) managed by Disability Development Services Program (DDSP), one of Heifer's project partners. Over the past three years of implementation of this after-peace project, a huge change can be seen through their family and group achievements, especially, the behavior changes of people who were former enemies who now love each other like bothers and sisters.

“I am also a victim of the war waged by a handful of power-greedy politicians,” said the disabled group treasurer, Seng Sam, former KR soldier whose right leg was amputated by a land mine during 

the civil war. He affirmed, “I feel happy and hopeful when participating in the Heifer project. I am not decimated, but trusted by the project participants. They selected me as group treasurer.”

“We forgot the past and now work together for our family and community developments,” said the disable group leader Ly Ty, former government soldier whose left leg was also amputated by a land mine in 1983. “After joining the group, we more understand each other while brotherhood and solidarity have been strengthened. We no longer fight each other, but jointly battle hunger and poverty.”

hopeful they are, about their future and the future of the country.”

and strong relationships. It seems to be another success. Annie and I have more work to do when we go back home.”

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What is Heifer Project International (HPI)?

Heifer Project International is one of many non governmental organization involved in rural development around the world. It works at the grass-root by providing animals and training to organized local groups that request assistance.