“We learn through hardship the importance of saving, so that we can step by step build a secure shelter”.

This could be a phrase to describe the life of Mr. Kain Mab and his family. Mab’s family is one of hundreds who have lived on the informal settlement site of a Garden Area State Land – a slum in Battambang, Cambodia which had been ring-fenced by local government in 1981 to build a public park.

After many years of civil unrest and instability, many Cambodians who had been living in refugee camps across the border in Thailand started to return to their home country. Among them, hundreds of families had moved back to Battambang, and with no other option they began to settle on the public garden area land. In 2007 as the governors of Battambang started restructuring and beautifying the city these families’ futures were put into question as the government pressurised them to relocate out of the city.

Upgrading & rehabilitating slums in Battambang

With the rights of the residents who had lived in informal settlements for several generations under threat, Habitat worked  to advocate with the government of Battambang to transform the informal settlement to a formal settlement area rather than relocating households away from their families, communities and places of work. The Government of Battambang agreed to issue land titles and certificates of ownership to the families, with Habitat for Humanity stepping in to support those who are unable to build home on their own.

Mab and his two daughters lived in one of the informal shelters. His wife and their youngest son lived in a distant rural village where his son attended school.

Mab and his wife work hard to support their family. Between them  they were able to earn  between $5 to $8 per day. Sometimes they were receiving support from their two daughters who are working at a factory in Phnom Penh.

The family had tried to save a small amount to buy construction materials such as bricks and zinc to build their home incrementally. BUt they were thrilled when Habitat for Humanity and teams of volunteers stepped in to support their efforts.

“The presence of volunteers will help us save a lot on labour and it will be faster to build our home” said Mab. “Our new secured house will really bring us hope!” he continued. Mab and his wife are now starting to clean their land site and preparing to welcome all volunteers.

“I don’t have enough money to build my house and I am so excited to know that there will be a group of international volunteers come to help us and I believe it’s going to be a great experience for us. Nothing can compare my happiness at this moment” Mab said.