Melina ChanRight now? The weather. Speaking more generally, the people. I am constantly learning from those around me: listening to their ideas, hopes and dreams for their lives and their town. Also, the never-ending surprises that working in a different culture and with a different language provides.
What change do you want Kinyei to achieve?
I’d like to make it just that little bit easier for those with a dream to make the community they live in a little bit better. The environment over here is really challenging and it’s a long road to change, that’s for sure. I can think of nothing better than supporting those who are motivated to taking steps along that road.
Some sort of coordinator
What is your favourite thing about Battambang?
Riverside dance offs.
What change do you want Kinyei to achieve?
Right now I think a lot of people are feeling as though in order to make a life for themselves they need to join a big organization or company, that they need to find some niche in the system as it exists and inhabit that. The problem is that there just aren’t that many niches to go around and often they exist in structures that young Cambodians would just rather not perpetuate. As a result a lot of people are pretty frustrated because they don’t see a lot of alternatives. I think if Kinyei could achieve anything, I’d like it to be a sense of energy and optimism here that people can successfully create their own lives, that creating your own life is a viable thing to do, and that they’re not stuck with just trying desperately to fit into the old system.
SeavyiKinyei Intern
What is your favourite thing about Battambang?
People are friendly and there are a lot of places to visit. It is a good place for me to study and learn new things for my life.
I want Kinyei to help the kids in Battambang because nowadays there are a lot of kids that have no school, no skills, and are involved with drugs. I think if we can find volunteers who have skills that they can teach, the children can learn and use their skills to find money or do something good.
That’s all for me!
PhallaKinyei Project Officer
What is your favourite thing about Battambang?
People are friendly. The view in Battambang is good, not so crowded. It is also a popular place for foreigners and Cambodians.
What change do you want Kinyei to achieve?
Help the people get more involved in the community, especially youth. I’d like more visitors to come to visit Battambang.
Srey PheakCafe Staff/BDB organiser
What change do you want Kinyei to achieve?
I think that Kinyei’s idea to help youth is a very good idea. It is a courageous idea.
Katie Kinyei Cafe Special Agent
What is your favourite thing about Battambang?
Jogging along the Stung Sangker riverside with all the activities and aerobics at dusk, riding my bright red bike around town, Krama scarf shopping, and meeting incredibly humbling people.
What change do you want Kinyei to achieve?
I’d love Kinyei to facilitate a common space for Khmer people and foreigners, to harness the potential of working collectively on creative projects in the form of a community photography club, or a skill share meet up. Oh, and it’d be swell if the cafe could provide some stunning espresso drinks along the way!
Matthew LorenzonOnline Publications Officer
What is your favourite thing about Battambang?
The many heartfelt songs about Battambang. In particular, Da Sopheak Tra’s “Oh Battambang!”
What change do you want Kinyei to achieve?
I would like to see new Khmer-run businesses pop up through start-up revenue provided by the Kinyei Cafe. I would also like to see the BDB hip hop group get the international recognition they deserve!
I will be at Kinyei sometimes when I`m free. See you!
Great initiative i see at Kinyei! Local based development with linkages to technological resources and support is the way to go. I would be interested to hear more about how Kinyei gathers its support from people from other countries. You have donations? Or sponsoring? If so, can you market it on the the website and all around us? CSR, celebrity SR and just basic human consciousness is on the rise, thankfully.