On assignment with Sangster in Cambodia

Met up with Jason and headed out to the country side of Cambodia for a photo shoot with a non-profit organization called VIDA- its an Austrailan run non- profit at a local "University".....the project is to introduce BIODIESEL to a small community.

"University" campus

www.biodieselcambodia.com

CHECK OUT THE SITE!!

The biodiesel is created from already used/waste vegetable oil from restuarants and can also be made from a particular crop call Jatropha curcss....the goal of the project is to create a sustainable community by using natural resources to create a safe, clean and CHEAP gas in order to effienctly supply the communtiy with power for their generators and their motorbikes! There is a lot to say about it but for now we (Jason) was photographing the 2 main people invovled in the project- one local Cambodian and 1 Aussie- including their involvment with the community and what important benefits the project will introduce.........including 2 main goals: Providing a cheap sustainable alternative energy source and contributing to a cleaner environment & better health.The Univeristy was on break becasue its the wet season (until October) so there were no students on cmapus- normally there are 300-400 students- getting a free education in managment or agriculture-considering Cambodia is one of the poorest places in the world and is certianly one of the poorest countries I have traveled to- the concept of "University" is based on the barest of minimums- first its very difficult for anyone to leave their family to study becasue they are needed at home to help in the rice fields or take care of each other- and if they are not working there is no way to eat- its catch 22. no education = no $ and no $ = no education- then even with education there is a lack of jobs and proper pay.....

busted flat in Baton Rouge- waiting for a train

I don't even know where to begin about Cambodia- I loved it becasue the people are beautiful- always smiling and easy going- a little persistant in trying to sell you every and anythign possible (a girl offered Jason the shirt of her back) but they are so strong and perservering.....Khmer people (Cambodians) have been so tormented throughout their existance--- you never really hear about whats happening there- and quite frankly its devasting....war and genocide as recently as 10 years ago- and so many land mines from the Vietnam War, I mean so many people with missing limbs everywhere- its unbeleiveable- and we put them there- ugh:(

Nonetheless the people remain hopeful, strong, and continue to live their lives- even though hygiene is non existant and medical attention is minimal- and there no no older Cambodians since they were wiped out by the Khmer Rouge in the late 70's....and the new borns are dying from malnutrition and illnesses- its an unbelievable experience!

community involved in biodiesel project

girl 1

girl 2

girl 3

Jason and Dave headed to the field

Jason hard at work

making a living

packin 'em in - travelin in style!

rice fields, country side from back of motobike

Sangster - wet season

sunset on temple from our room

with Kezar- biodiesel project assistant

yup- fried crickets and maybe just hatched ?????