Women's Peace Houses
Rachna Satrei is currently launching a project that consists of building houses for high-risk poor rural women and their families of whom have suffered from the scourge of domestic violence in the province of Siem Reap. We would like to give them the possibility to have a private and livable space. These are wooden houses, measuring approximately 4.5mx6m, and their cost is around 3500$ each.
These homes are built for the owner and RS provides the physical structure, but we rely on the families and the larger community (including the donor) to create peace, happiness and to foster women’s positive change that will benefit both their families and their children. Once they move into one of these houses they will find a place where there is no family violence, no activity that involves drinking or drugs and no gambling. Here children must attend school, and pursue self- development through gardening and improving family nutrition.
Donation Women Peace-houses are donated by the community through its effort to raise funds from all over the world. Some groups of donors can choose to travel to Siem Reap and see the house being built or even assist in the construction. Donors are welcome and encouraged to come to Cambodia to get involved in the process of building the house they donate.
These peace-houses can be built throughout the year, but volunteers should be prepared as this task is slightly harder in the rainy season around August and September. Planning Women Peace-houses are only granted by Rachna Strei to families who meet their criteria. The neediest families are selected and they must also agree to a contract of use, which includes educating their children, in a non-domestic violence, alcohol or drug abuse. The contract is taken very seriously and is monitored by the village chief and Rachna Strei Team. The selection process takes about 2 months. Selection begins once funds have been made available to build. Volunteers should envisage a 2 months advance notice period to Rachna Strei. Shorter notice times may be possible if a family has already been selected.
Houses are traditional Khmer wooden frame houses, approximately 4.5m x 6m. The roof and walls are either thatched or metal. We need 10-15 volunteers for 1 house and 20-30 for 2 houses. Volunteers should allow 4-7 free days: 1 day for buying material (although this can be done by the RS Project coordinator ); 5 days for building the houses and 1-day contingency.
A peace house costs $3000 to build. Food and water are needed for people or villagers around who participated in building activities for 3 days. $260 dollars per Peace-house covers all local help and food. Transport can be arranged via your own tour operator, or Rachna Strei will be happy to organize this for you. Bus transport is approximately $80 per day per Peace-house group of volunteers (10-15 people).
Summary costs: $3,500
• Peace-house $3000
• Food and water $260
• Transport $240
Payment can be made as follows:
1. Bank Transfer or tax-deductible donation: Full remittance instruction can be found depending on your country of origin.
2. Cash: directly at Rachna Strei offices