A Journey to CambodiaRick Doud &Tooch Van

MCC Diversity Committee

October 21, 2009

Agenda

A brief history of Cambodia. Cambodia at the present time. Overview of Fulbright Hays Grant in

2002. A journey to Cambodia through the

grant. Discussion (Q & A)

Cambodia

Southeast Asia Slightly smaller than

Oklahoma. Cambodia borders the

Gulf of Thailand and is wedged between Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

The climate is tropical, with 6 mo- monsoon and 6 mo- dry season but little seasonal variation in temperatures.

A brief History

Cambodia was rich in culture, history, heritage, arts and civilization, however, for some reasons, it was not recognize enough in the world.

Interconnected Religion (Hinduism,

Buddhism and Islamism) Civilization (Indian and

Chinese)

Colonized and Foreign Influence

Cambodia shaped by French Colonial Era (1863-1953)

Language (Khmer still the official thanks to the monk movement’s resistance)

80% education (French style)

Official buildings (post offices, markets and courts…

American Influences

American involvement in Indochina (Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos) during the 1960s.

The Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations feared that Cambodia might fall to communism and wanted to use it as a buffer against North Vietnam.

Vietnam War was about to start

Remaining Cambodia

Despite, these foreign influences, Cambodian still has maintained its independence.

November 9th, 1953 Independence from France.

Retain a distinctive Khmer Culture and heritage.

Cambodia Genocide I970s. President Nixon and

Secretary of State, Kissinger decided to bomb Cambodia. the US dropped 540,000 tons of bombs , killing anywhere from 150,000 to 500,000 civilians.

April 17, 1975, The Khmer Rouge people gained their powers and took over the Cambodia and turned the country upside down

They launched the genocide between 1975-79. (1.7 million died of 7 million). It was 20% of the whole population.

Camp: Cambodia and Thai Borders

1979, the genocide ended.

10,000 Cambodian Refugees were at in the third countries USA, France, Canada Australia and others.

Cambodian Diaspora Families connected to people back at home.

Their resiliencies are very strong

In the country

Followed by (instability, uncertainty and violence)

Vietnam invaded Cambodia until 1989

1980-1992: Civil War (Between resistant forces/factions at the Borders and the Cambodian government supported by Vietnam

Cambodian Today

Recovery from the years of traumas and more than 30 years of conflicts and violence.

Cambodians enjoy its relatively stability and calm.

People try learning to embrace the democratic principles.

At the same time, government institutions remain weak, the corruption is still high

There is a little concept about a rule of law and a good governance, poverty, HIV/AIDs and children trafficking issues…

Cambodia still has a lot of works need to be done.

MCC Fulbright Trip in 2002

In May 2002, six MCC professors and two UML professors went to Cambodia.

Research in the field of humanity, criminal justice, arts, education and music in Cambodia.

Incorporate their Cambodian experience and lesson learned into the contents of their teaching

Conduct workshops/seminars