Siem Reap, KH – Home improvements for an enjoyable future – 31 Dec 2018

Sareun recently improved his home by adding a covered entryway and a coat of varnish. The covered entryway keeps the home both cooler and dryer. The varnish makes the home look nicer, which Sareun takes pride in, and will also help the home last longer.

Sareun saved money by growing vegetables at home and raising livestock. He also works full time with Peaksneng Thormacheat Shop. Since he moved into his home he has been making small improvements like adding decorative plants, a toilet, and new gardening areas. At the end 2018 he was ready to make his first major improvements.

Sareun is proud of how the entryway and varnish improve both the style and functionality of the home. He is setting a good example for his neighbors by showing how small home improvements over time create great change in the long run.

The next challenge Sareun would like to address will be an improvement for the whole community. He has noticed that his neighbors’ chickens and other livestock sometimes get into his vegetable garden and cause damage. He has mentioned this to Peaksneng Thormacheat Shop manager Rey Diez. Sareun’s observation, along with observations from other community members, encouraged Rey to plan the first community meeting.

Rey is planning to bring all members of the affordable housing community together to agree neighborhood expectations. Rey and Sareun hope the meeting will enable neighbors to work collaboratively to deal with challenges like livestock damage, trash, and other behaviors that affect the whole community.