Friday, 24 December 2010

New NGO book supports communities


A photo from the MaD book showing rice being processed. The rice is brown, something the NGO has been promoting because brown rice is more nutritious.

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MaD's biggest project is the construction of water pumps which provide a reliable water supply
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via CAAI

Friday, 24 December 2010 15:00 Nicky McGavin

JUST in time for the New Year, local NGO MaD Cambodia is releasing a collection of photographs taken by the founder, Phil Starling, his young daughter Sofi, and two other professional photographers, Ryan Pike from Australia and Meeri Koutaniemi from Finland.

The book, titled MaD Cambodia – The Story, was published this week and is a collection of photos reflecting the charity’s work since it was created in 2008.

The images show work done in Bakong and Puok districts on the outskirts of Siem Reap town.

The 112 pages of photographs chart the results of water and sanitation projects, organic rice farming, medicine, micro-enterprises and other activities by MaD (Making a Difference).

The images also highlight some of the ordinary things that make up daily Cambodian life, such as food and transport.

“The pictures are all linked to the communities we’re working in or have worked in,” said Starling. “We want to give a feel of what the country is like, some of the good, some of the bad.”

MaD’s biggest project is the construction of water pumps for communities – 110 so far in Bakong – which help provide a reliable water supply for more than 1000 people. Water filters are also provided to families to make sure it is clean.

MaD has also constructed a mechanical rig to drill water up to 30 metres deep, and plans to build another one soon.

The NGO hopes to raise about $10,000 through the book, which will be put towards expanding MaD’s projects to reach more villages.

Phil, together with daughter Sofi, recently created Angkor Photography and Publishing.

He trained in photography in New York and 19-year-old Sofi has been honing her skills for more than three years now. The quality of the photographs in the book is a reflection of their dedication to their art.

The book sells for $30, and will be available at the offices of ConCERT and at MaD Base Camp, on National Road 6, towards the airport and behind the Angkor King Plaza and Wishing Well Museum.

The book will also be sold at Art Deli and other outlets in Siem Reap. Plans are afoot to distribute it through Australian and UK volunteer networks and it can be ordered from the website http://www.angkorphotography.com/.

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