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This page shows items removed from the News page since inception. A supplementary page detailing the progress of Centre projects over various periods can be viewed by clicking here. The list of items from News page is shown below.
Click on title to go to item. Click on the
The Siem Reap to Phnom Penh cyclo ride (2004) World Health Organisation gives award for the ‘Smoke Free Cyclo’ project (2004) Cyclo Centre moves towards independent status (2005) Outreach activities in combating SDI (2005) Cyclo Centre achieves independent status (2005) The 2005 Smoke Free Ride for Life (2005) A visit to the Royal Palace (2005) Rob Joiner the VSA (NZ) Advisor The IRIS 2006 Cyclo Driver initiative
Removed from News page January 2005 The Siem Reap to Phnom Penh Cyclo Ride In March the centre organised a very successful sponsored ride between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, which covered over 310 kilometres. Twelve cyclos were transported to Siem Reap on the 19th and on arrival they toured the town. Cyclos are something of a rarity in Siem Reap and the distinctive green cyclos of the Phnom Penh Cyclo Centre had certainly not been seen there previously. The party was able to visit Angkor Wat and several other temples before, on the morning of the 22nd, setting off on the ride. The starting point of the ride was the Bayon temple, at the heart of Angkor Thom, and the cyclo drivers passed through Siem Reap before setting out on Route 6A towards Kampong Thom. Each cyclo was allocated to a pair of drivers, one driving as the other travelled in one of the support vehicles, generously provided by the National Centre for Health Promotion, the World Health Organisation and the Australian Red Cross. Even a couple of kilometres under the rising sun can be taxing, but each cyclo driver pedalled on for ten kilometres before swapping places with his partner and this routine continued throughout each day, with a break for lunch in the hottest hours. Temperatures were usually over 40 Celsius, even in the cycling hours. If cyclos are unusual in Siem Reap they are unknown on Route 6A and as they made their way slowly south they became the focus of much curiosity, not least from village children who had never seen anything like this convoy before. Perhaps the imagination of more than one little boy has been fired, now he can think of nothing better than being a cyclo driver when he grows up! The first night’s stop was at a guesthouse in Stung district and after another 6.30 am start the second day was spent on the road to Kampong Thmor district. Everyone was in good spirits and the machines stood up well to continuous use, even when subjected to the occasional ‘wheelie’, which in cyclo driving terms means riding with one wheel (a front one, naturally) clear of the ground. Kampong Thmor district was reached by 5 pm and accommodation was once again provided at a guesthouse. The caravan moved off at 6.30 am prompt the following morning, this time aiming for Skun. It is a mark of the fitness of the cyclo teams (and other centre staff and supporters who provided a cycle escort) and to the quality of the advance planning that there was no need to use the medical facilities provided by the Australian Red Cross. Skun was reached by 11 am and there was no further cycling that day. The respite was well earned. As tarmac replaces laterite Route 6A continues to improve, but it can still be a hot and dusty road and the cyclo is no state-of-the art vehicle constructed of lightweight aluminium. This machine, designed seventy years ago, has a framework of steel tube and lacks even a second gear. The night of the 24th was spent at Skun and then it was on to Phnom Penh. At 2 pm on the following day all 12 cyclos crossed the Japanese Bridge and headed for the Wat Phnom and a civic reception. Tired, but very happy, everyone was safely home. The ride was successful in many ways, not least in the media coverage generated. Both the English language Cambodia Daily and the Phnom Penh Post carried articles, and the Phnom Penh Post featured a full page spread of Rob Joiner’s photographs. At least one Khmer newspaper covered the event too and the Cambodian television channel, CTN, featured it on news broadcasts. As well as the organisations previously mentioned the centre would like to thank;
World Health Organisation give award for 'Smoke Free Cyclo' project On June 9th 2004 the World Health Organisation gave its first-ever regional community project award to the Phnom Penh Cyclo Centre. Greg Hallen, the World Health Organisation's technical officer for tobacco control said the centre's ‘Smoke Free Cyclo’ project was an outstanding example of a community based project focused on breaking the cycle of tobacco use and poverty. Tobacco addiction is not only a health hazard, but also a waste of money, as many cyclo drivers are aware. 63% of drivers interviewed in recent research said they were smokers, but nine out of ten indicated they wanted to quit. Most cyclo drivers live on less than $2.00 per day and have to pay around $0.50 (2000Riel) for cyclo rental. Smoking makes them even poorer, with tobacco addiction robbing their family of money desperately needed for more basic needs. Four out of five drivers are married, supporting a wife and four or more children and, sometimes, members of an extended family too. It is an old saying that ‘a working man’s health is his capital’ and this is certainly true of the cyclo driver. Should he become ill or die prematurely due to a smoking-related disease, his family may fall further into poverty. The centre's smoking awareness project was established in conjunction with the Ministry of Health's National Centre for Health Promotion (NCHP). It encourages smoke-free behaviour through counselling and cessation support, as well as providing an incentive to own a smoke-free cyclo and the promote a smoke-free life to others. Smoke-free cyclos are upgraded with safety equipment and decorated with smoke-free logos before being sold to non-smoking drivers at a daily rate equivalent to that normally charged to rent a cyclo. Revenue from sales is used to manufacture more smoke-free cyclos, which means there are steadily increasing numbers on the streets of Phnom Penh. The combined financial benefits of quitting smoking and owning a cyclo may increase a driver’s daily income by up to 40%. Smoke-free cyclos have become very popular with tourists (drivers who sign up clearly attract more customers) and the smoking awareness programme has been integrated with many key components of the poverty alleviation programme. In February 2005 the NCHP organised six days of training on the anti-smoking issue. Thirty attendees learnt about the dangers of tobacco use on the first day and, in the rest of the programme, smokers were offered help in planning a cessation strategy. As many tobacco addicts will testify, this is often no easy task.
Removed from News page September 2005
Cyclo
Centre moves towards independent status
Greg Hallam We wish Greg and his family well wherever his work takes him and hope he will always keep in touch.
Through the World Health Organisation the centre has been fortunate to obtain funding from TIMA, the Taiwan International Medical Alliance. TIMA has paid for a number of new cyclos, which are being sold on to cyclo drivers under the Cyclo Credit programme and the organisation is currently committed to supporting the centre's anti-smoking initiatives throughout most of 2005. Finance is being allocated for training and 200 uniforms will be provided for cyclo drivers to wear when at work.
Outreach activities in combating STI In December 2004 the centre and Population Services International signed a one year work agreement. Population Services International have subsequently trained several cyclo drivers as outreach facilitators to pass on information about the dangers of STI transmission and on the value of Stop Z, a pre-packaged therapy for sufferers of Urethral Discharge.
Removed from News page January 2006
Cyclo
Centre achieves independent status
The 2005 Smoke-Free Ride for Life The 2005 Smoke-Free Ride for Life proved to be a great success. At 5.30 am on Wednesday, September 7th, a caravan of cyclos, co-riders enlisted on a ‘paying guest basis’ and support vehicles started out from the Centre, heading over Japanese Bridge towards Kampong Cham. Spirits were high and the weather was kind, cloudy skies bringing the occasional welcome cooling shower. The road to Kampong Cham is good today, making the task of the 30 drivers who rotated duty on the pedals of 20 cyclos, a little easier. Behind them came a wake of barang. A Swede, a Scot, an American and two English riders complementing seven cyclists from New Zealand (is there a group noun for more than six New Zealanders – if not can someone make one up?). There was plenty of other traffic for most of the 124 km journey, because the road also is the main route between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, but careful shepherding by support vehicles, high visibility white T-shirts and prudent lane discipline ensured there were no mishaps. The road was quieter after the Siem Reap turn off, but a very pleasing reception awaited at Kampong Cham, where droves of people turned out to see the arrival of the group, which had been well publicised. The Governor of Kampong Cham, Mr. Hun Neng ensured the security of the ride participants and their vehicles overnight, for which Centre staff would like to express their appreciation. After a welcome meal and a good night’s sleep the spectacular new Kizuna Bridge was crossed early the following morning. The bridge is featured on the current 500 riel note and if the note is ever re-designed perhaps a cyclo will replace the car! Beyond the bridge the wheelers, today in green T-shirts, rolled on towards Prey Veng. The first part of the road is built high above the Mekong flood plain, offering lovely views across the temporary, rainy season fishing grounds. Then it turns south and passes through many kilometers of rubber plantation, where the trees run off in rows at 90 degrees from the road and silent tappers tend the silent drip of latex. Prey Veng town is about 80 km from Kampong Cham. It is a pleasant little place with a bustling quay and a long promenade in the wet season. It also has cyclos of its own and both the town and the surrounding province have a special link with the Phnom Penh Cyclo Centre, for by far the greatest number of registered drivers have their homes there. Day three saw the return to Phnom Penh with another early start, a new set of T-shirts (beige this time) and passage through more flooded areas on a good road. The Mekong had to be crossed again, but, as yet, there is no bridge at Neak Loung, only UNTAC-era Danish ferries. Motorised traffic usually takes precedence on these vessels, but when the cyclos arrived they were given VIP status, all loading being halted as they were ushered onboard. It was a matter of first on, first off too, as the cyclos were given priority on disembarkation. The road between Neak Luong and Phnom Penh is still awaiting an upgrade and proved to be busy, but the convoy made good time and rolled into Phnom Penh in mid-afternoon, thus completing the 320 kilometer round trip. All in all the ride was a great success and we would like to give special thanks to the Royal Palace which gave us a very generous donation of $ 650 and kramas for all 54 participants in the event. The WHO, NCHP, PSI, ADRA, Red Cross Australia and IRIS International also supported the run and other key donors were TIMA, BB World/Cambodian Scene, CVCD, CFC, and Uy Mey Investments Co.Ltd. Major sponsors contributed cash, support vehicles and medical staff/medicines, clothing, banners, food and water. In addition, including the co-riders, 26 individuals gave cash contributions. The rally income was $1772.50, expenses were $1,334.71, leaving $437.79 to help support the Centre. Click here to see the more photos of the rally.
Anyone walking along 158 Street at dawn on 15th September might have been surprised to see the Centre had already become hive of high activity. They would have been even more surprised if they had discovered the reason, but this did not become apparent until two hundred cylos set off for the riverside. A casual observer may have thought they were off to collect a mammoth tour group, but they were actually going to the Royal Palace, where, along with a hundred other cyclo drivers, they had been invited to enjoy breakfast in the Palace Gardens. It would be hard to overstate the pride, excitement and pleasure each driver felt on passing through the gates. In the next two hours they were treated not only to a meal, but also a tour of the Palace grounds and a moment with King Sihamoni himself, who distributed a gift (including a 50 kg bag of rice) to every driver. Centre staff had a special moment with the King too. The event was covered by the media and made front-page news, complete with photographs in the English language Business News. It was a real milestone in the development of the Centre and the story of the morning will doubtless be told to grandchildren many, many years from now. Click here to see the more photos of the visit.
Removed from News page September 2006 At the end of April Joy completed her term as a volunteer at the Centre and flew back to New Zealand in early May. Everyone who worked with Joy will testify to the huge contribution she made to the development of the Centre during her time here. We wish to thank Joy for her contribution, wish her well for the future and hope that she keeps in touch.
Removed from News page July 2007 At a Phnom Penh clinic at 6.15 am on April 6th the Centre was pleased to welcome a new member of the team. His name is spelt Reach, but sounds like Ree-a-k (you will need to consult a native Cambodian speaker to get the name exactly right!). He is, of course, the son of Sarany and Ouch Sokpov to whom we send our congratulations.
The Board has been pleased to welcome Ms Kat Anthony as a representative of IRIS Cambodia. Dr Lim Thaipheang - from the National Centre for Health Promotion has resigned from the Board and has been replaced by Dr Sung Vinntak from the Ministry of Health. We would like to thank Dr Lim Thaipheang for his contribution to the Board since its inception.
Rob Joiner, the VSA (NZ) Advisor As from September 4th 2006, Rob Joiner took over the position previously held by Joy Grant. Rob, a New Zealand photo-journalist, has been 'helping out' at the Centre since 2003. He was previously Chair of the Board, however, his changed status meant he could no longer hold this position and Hallam Goad, who is currently working at the Sakmakun Teang Tnaut, was elected in his stead. Rob is the author of “Kings of the Road – the Cyclos of Phnom Penh”. This lavishly illustrated, 100 page book is available at both the Centre and other outlets in Phnom Penh.
The IRIS 2005 and 2006 Cyclo Driver Initiatives The 2004 Cyclo Driver Initiative was such a success that the programme was repeated in the following year. The programme for 2005 took place between 25 and 29 October 2005. During the week 332 drivers had their eyes screened and 130 drivers received free eye glasses. Thirty nine drivers were also identified as requiring surgery. However, only 13 of these received operations, although three had two operations each for cataract conditions. Many cyclo drivers still fear having eye operations. The wives of three cyclo drivers also took the opportunity to use the Eye-Care service this year. The 2005 programme also incorporated a visit from the IRIS Asia Field Officer in Sri Lanka, Mr Roger Biggs, and a group from one of IRIS International’s key sponsors, the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation (Hong Kong), including Lord Kadoorie. All of the visitors were pleased with the work the Centre was doing with the Cyclo Drivers. A year later, during the week of October 16th - 20th 2006, a further series of screenings were held. This time the families of cyclo drivers were included in the remit as a matter of course. During the week an average of over 70 people per day attended the screening (364 in all) so you can imagine the centre was very busy. This time over three-quarters of those who were screened were found to have eyes requiring remedial attention and were given treatment. 66 people were found to be in need of glasses, which were provided free. 41 attendees had problems so serious that an operation was deemed necessary and were referred to the Municipal Hospital. All operations, which may be to remove cataracts or deal with other blinding conditions, were, or will be, once again financed by IRIS at no cost to the recipient. Given the successes of 2004, 2005 and 2006 It is anticipated that further screenings will take place later in 2007. To find out more about the work of IRIS in Asia, including Cambodia click here.
Removed from News page April 2008 In line with its commitment to tobacco control and promoting healthy life-styles among its members, the Cyclo Centre Phnom Penh held a rally to mark World No Tobacco Day on Thursday, 31st May 2007. The ride covered approximately 55 km around the outskirts of Phnom Penh. Cyclo drivers (kitted out in green T shirts and pedalling green cyclos) and support cyclists assembled in the precincts of the Wat Phnom ready for a 7.15 am start. The route took them down Sisowath Quay, Monivong Boulevard and National Road 2 into Kandal Stung District, Kandal Province. They then turned on to National Road 3, towards the Choam Choa Circle, where they had a meal break. The second leg of the journey was along 271 Street, the long road that skirts the west of the city. Once at the junction with the Russian Confederation Boulevard the rally turned east again and head back to the Wat Phnom where there was a small reception at around 4:00pm. Apart from the obvious mission of creating awareness of tobacco control, the ride was intended to promote and raise funds for the Centre and it was successful in this. Over $950 was raised towards the Centre and we would very much like to thank the following sponsors: TIMA, Oxfam GB, the Cambodia Trust, H.I. (Handicap International) Belgium, Asian Trails, Indochina Travel, CEDAC (the Cambodian Centre for Study and Development in Agriculture), the Maryknoll Sisters and the PCC (Phnom Penh Cyclists). Both the World Health Organisation and the National Centre for Health Promotion contributed to the rally by providing support vehicles.
Funding for the financial year 2007-2008 is now secure thanks to a substantial donation by IRIS and support from Madame Michele Claudel, the Shigeo and Megumi Takayama Foundation (SMTF) and TIMA.
The 'Stay Another Day' initiative was launched earlier this year (read more about the organisation at www.stayanotherday.org). The launch was covered by the Phnom Penh Post in a very positive article that gave prominence to the work of the Centre.
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