wfn.org | Cambodian Government Honors Church World Service

[PCUSA NEWS <pcusa.news@ecunet.org>]

27-January-2000 
00038 
 
    Cambodian Government Honors Church World Service 
 
    by Wendy S. McDowell 
    National Council of Churches News Office 
 
NEW YORK CITY-Twenty years ago, when Phnom Penh lay in ruins after years of 
war and Cambodian people were in the grip of widespread famine, 
representatives from several non-governmental agencies flew in to assess 
humanitarian needs. 
 
    "There was no electricity and no water, and the relief workers fanned 
out in the city then got back on the plane to bring back reports to their 
agencies," recalled the Rev. Rodney Page, executive director of Church 
World Service (CWS), the relief and development arm of the National Council 
of Churches (NCC).  "But one representative stayed behind and lived there 
for six months:  Perry Smith of Church World Service and CWS is still 
there." 
 
    Church World Service was among 10 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) 
honored at a ceremony held in The Chaktomuk Hall in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 
Nov.18, during which Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen highlighted 
the "close partnership and strong solidarity which exists between the Royal 
Government of Cambodia and the NGO community." 
 
    In attendance were representatives from the 10 NGOs, including Page, 
Linda Hartke and Howard Jost of Church World Service.  Hartke served as CWS 
country director in Cambodia from 1992-1997 and is currently CWS director 
of programs and operations.  Jost is the current CWS country director in 
Cambodia. 
 
    Prime Minister Hun Sen praised the past and continuing humanitarian 
work of the NGOs, employing a Cambodian saying, "a good friend singled out 
during hardship."  He noted that not only did the agencies provide direct 
service and aid, but served as an alternative conduit for international 
diplomacy since for many years the Khmer Rouge occupied the nation's seat 
at the United Nations. 
 
    Today, CWS continues to support projects as varied as community 
development, animal health and production, and mine clearance and 
awareness.  According to Hartke, who visited several projects during her 
recent visit, things have definitely improved. 
 
    "I told the Cambodians I visited that I am like the wayward aunt who 
has been away for several years and returns to say, `My, how you've 
grown,'" Hartke said.  "I find that the standard of living is improving, 
with electricity and water improved and access to education continuing to 
increase.  There is now glass in windows, which wasn't true for so many 
years." 
 
    Perhaps the most remarkable improvement, Hartke noted was in the 
security situation.  "We were actually invited to a community meeting that 
took place after dark.  That would never have happened in the past." 
 
    At the same time, Hartke said, "The gap between rich and poor is 
increasing, with more evidence of extreme wealth and extreme poverty.  It 
is remarkable the number of BMWs you now see in Phnom Penh." 
 
    Also, though things have improved economically, there are still 
sociopolitical strides that need to be made.  "The root issue now is rule 
of law," Hartke said.  "There needs to be a functioning legislature, 
executive bodies and an independent judiciary.  We are working with staff 
and local partners to encourage this idea of building a democratic 
infrastructure along with the physical infrastructure." 
 
    For instance, Church World Service projects include the election of 
village development committees.  These bodies follow democratic principles 
to decide on the top development priorities of the village.  Self Help 
Groups allow technical and organizational skills to be transferred to local 
volunteer workers. 
 
    Just as it did when Perry Smith first set foot in Cambodia in 1979, CWS 
continues to put "humanitarian spirit above political considerations," as 
Prime Minister Hun Sen said of the NGOs in his speech.  To the NGOs, he 
said, "You all are both witnesses and participants in the tremendous 
efforts displayed by a strong and unexhausted will, to work hand in hand 
with the Cambodian people for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of a 
country ravaged by wars, genocide, isolation and embargo." 

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