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From a Single Gift to a Hopeful Future

A Passing on the Gift (POG) ceremony took place on March 19, organized by the Cambodian Family Economic Development Association (CFEDA) and the Self-Help Group at the former Khmer Rouge area, in northwest region of Cambodia. Around 350 people joined the event from four target villages in two communes of Malay district, Banteay Meanchey province. In addition, the deputy provincial governor, Country Director of Heifer Cambodia, local authorities, and representatives from five NGOs witnessed the ceremony. “Our community has been organizing this POG since 2009. At that time, I had received one cow, horticulture seeds, and fruit-tree saplings from Mrs. Saren, the original family who received resources from Heifer Cambodia. I am so happy that today I also become a donor like him.” Mr. Toek Horn, the first generation POG member living in Kbal Tumnob village said, “Today's ceremony is the biggest in my community, as we have 38 animals, horticulture seeds, and fruit-tree saplings to pass on to 38 new families in need. My wife and I woke up early this morning to join the ceremony and help one another to prepare food. I love Chhorm Sem’s family, as they are in need and work hard. My wife and I decided to pass on our offspring to her family and we hope that she will take care of these resources,” he added. Ms. Chhorm Sem, who receive a gift from Mr. Toek Horn's family today is living in very poor conditions with seven children. She rarely sends her two daughters to school, while her eldest son works as a laborer outside the country. Asking about her son, Chhorm Sem recalled her son’s speech, “Mother, I do not want to work far from home. I will try to find money and when I can save more money, I will come back to share the roof with you.” These words really touched Chhorm Sem and she wishes there were jobs available in her village so that her son would not go to work far from home. “It is the happiest time in my life as I have never received such a gift,” said Ms. Chhorm Sem. “With the cow I receive today, I will make use of the manure for my vegetable garden and I hope it will help me to make some income. The gifts from brother Horn today are laying in my heart. Thanks to Mr. Horn’s family for this great gift. I feel warm to have these resources, and I promise to take care of them well and pass on what I have received today to other family in need,” she added with a smiling face. Passing on the Gifts has become a common practice within the community with full participation, appreciation, and trust from local authorities, NGOs, and government agencies. To date, 157 cows have been passed on within the community and it is being continued endlessly. More poor people have become donors and the gifts are building hope for better life. From commitment of community, they will organize a bigger POG ceremony once again next year to celebrate their achievements and promote the Passing on the Gift spirit.

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