The idea was simple enough; "Let's build a playground!", but the aftermath of what came after turned out to be far more complex than any calculus equation I had ever seen (and unfortunately, I have seen many in the last 4 years :-)
Filled with good intentions and the importance of being culture-conscious, we set out to research the concept of the playground in Cambodia. After various group discussions, interviews and numerous surveys (that seemed to take forever..)
We came to some very surprising conclusions in regards to a typical Cambodian playground. It turns out that a Cambodian Playground consists of: 1) Slides
2) Swings
3) See-Saws
4) Sandboxes (We found out that sometimes there such a thing as being TOO culture-sensitive.. :-).
In finding the right place for the playground, we had some very specific criteria:
1) It has to be sponsored by a local referent, who will be responsible for the execution of the project, and for future maintenance.
2) The playground has to be built on public property, preferably in the poorer areas.
3) The whole community needs to be involved in the project.
We happily set out to find the perfect public land, only to find out, after numerous appointments with the various local village chiefs, that apparently all land in the Chi-Phat district is privately owned (Yeah Right!!). Although the village chiefs, in an moment of extreme generosity, offered to rent us their land for a modest rent of $100 a year. (FYI- The average income in Cambodia is around $2 a day). Disappointed we realized that the joke was on us, and we finally got a first taste of the many frustrations in volunteering in developing countries where corruption is a way of life.
Undeterred, we finally decided to build the playground in the primary school under the sponsorship of our good friend, the primary school principle, in this way, meeting two of the three criteria.
In order to involve the community with the project, we decided to let the ninth grade be responsible for the planning and execution of the playground (under our guidance..).
The designated area was measured and cut on paper (in scale), with mini-models for the various planned playground facilities.
From there on, we just let them work their magic, which they sure did.... At first they were shy and unsure, these teenagers, quickly gained confidence, and argued and discussed their way to a final plan that would not put any landscape architect to shame.
Personally, I found it inspiring to see them work as a group, and invest their time and energy for the community ( take in mind, that not only do they study, but also have jobs to supplement their families income)
Meanwhile, the playground facilities were sketched and drawn, and are being built by the local welder.
Thanks to WildLife Alliance, who have generously contributed the supplies. In the next few weeks, we hope to receive the finished swings and slide, and involve the whole community in a day of fun and hard work in painting, building, and erecting the first Chi-Phat Playground.
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