RATHA KONG 

Kong has an engineering degree from the Institute of Technology of Cambodia and has experience working with infrastructure and communications. Kong’s role involves building relationships with the community and facilitating workshops to explore some of the challenges in Pu Ngaol.  

About 

In his role, Kong works closely with the people in Pu Ngaol. Remoteness, lack of access to water, hygiene and sanitation infrastructure, and gender inequality are common challenges he hears during his engagements with people in Pu Ngaol. He highlights that the community is special, and would like to see valuable discussions and solutions and awareness raised about the opportunities available to the community.

In Pu Ngaol, most people do not own computers, but instead use hand-written documents. This makes communication outside of Pu Ngaol difficult and can limit opportunities for the area. Kong shares that while people in Pu Ngaol own basic mobile phones, charging the phones is a major issue. Many people do not have electricity at home and have to pay to use electricity in other people’s houses. 

Kong highlights that, in general, the men often have more decision-making power in the community and in individual households related to family dynamics, community decisions and access to education than the women in the community. 

Issues and Ideas

• Limited digital infrastructure and access impacts communication, education and opportunities for the local economy. Can you come up with any solutions to addressing the lack of digital skills and connectivity in Pu Ngaol? Also consider how this may impact communicating, collaborating or raising awareness of your ideas.

• Kong shares about a recent proposal that involved a solar powered rainwater supply system. Rainwater is often relied upon for clean water access but it is not available all-year round. Can you come up with any ideas to build on existing water access solutions to provide sustainable, year-round safe water access? How might your solution be adapted for accessibility at the household or community level?

• Gender equality is one of the Sustainable Development Goals. What ideas can you come up with to support full and effective access to essential services, such as education and health, for women and girls in Pu Ngaol, and ensure equal opportunities at all levels of decision-making?

Find out more from Ratha Kong in their video interview, available here.