[Discover Project 2023: Kompong Speu x Kompong Som]

 Discovery project 2023

Introduction 

The 9th Generation Discovery project of CamEd International Business Club was held from Saturday the 25th of February 2023 to the 26th of February 2023, at Oral mountain, Kampong Speu province. Our Project Chair Ms. Sophat Vannaroth arranged and coordinated this trip with the assistance of 3 team leaders as well as our Management Team and trusty advisors. The trip consisted of 45 participants and was guided by the Head of the Union of Natural Forest protection Mr. Tan Kimsour and his assistants. The aim was to enlighten the members as well as avid followers of our club on the problem of illegal deforestation, as well as what we can do to help heal the desertification of Oral mountain. With that, the participating members were also given a chance to relax and experience a home away from home with the club at Sihanoukville where we got to bond closer as a team. 

Purpose

During this visit, we aim to;

• Learn about the local way of using trees from Oral mountain to make a living

• Discovery of a new forest-loving community as well as an advocate for deforestation

• Provide a helping hand to the community by advocating for more to know

• Help heal Mother Earth one tree at a time

• Relax with nature 

Trip Summary 

The trip started on Saturday at 4:30 am when all members met up at school and set off at 5:15 am to Oral mountain, which was an hour's journey from Kompong Speu Province. Breakfast was provided on the ride to the tree planting location, and we arrived at approximately 8 am at the foot of the mountain and met up with Mr. Tan Kimsour and his team for a brief introduction of each other as well as his role in our discovery project. To get to the plantation site, we had to walk 5km up the foot of the mountain, crossing barren land, forests, and streams with fresh air and growing plants that were planted by the community. After we arrived at the site, Mr. Tan gave us his speech on how the community started, his experience in helping plant and protect the forest, give insights on the local way of making a living as well as providing tips on how we can help restore the forest of our country’s tallest mountain. After the activity of planting trees ended, we said our goodbyes tread back down the forest, and set off to Sihanoukville at 10:45 am. We had fun activities in the car, took a rest to restore our energy, and get ready for lunch at Independence beach. We ended up arriving at the beach at 2:45 pm and had a refreshing lunch with the team. Then at 5 pm, we all headed up the bus to our hotel to rest and refresh for our evening dinner at a Mookatak place uphill. 

On the second day of the trip, our team had a chance to explore Ocheuteal beach, and experience the local food and environment before setting off to a tourist site of Koh Reachbot or Prince Island. We arrived approximately at 11:30 am where we were allowed to wander and explore the land, view, sea, and food with our desired teammates. After having fun in the water, and relaxing on the sandy beach, we ended our trip at 4 pm when we got back onto the bus and headed back to Phnom Penh, back home. 

Reflections

    We arrived home safely and continued life, back to reality, the next day. The trip was an eye-opening experience for me as well as all members of the club. The trip brought satisfaction and pride to everyone as we know our purpose was achieved, we’ve got to provide help to society as well as spend time bonding with our team members. To say it was fun is an understatement, it was memorable and mind-blowing to learn how the project chair, team leaders, management team, and advisors were able to come up with an idea, made plans, and implemented it in just a flawless way. Although it was not without a hitch, we made it happen in the end and I’m filled with gratitude towards all members that were able to join and made it fun and memorable.