10.39°C The Old Hall community in East Bergholt will be holding a benefit night on Friday, 18 November 2011, to raise money for an indigenous tribe in Cambodia.
The local green, semi-self-sufficient farming community will host the ska night at their deconsecrated chapel, featuring Colchester favourites New Town Kings.
The charity event was inspired by former resident Tania Heath, who is currently working in Cambodia with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). Tania, originally from Bentley, is supporting the Tampuen people, who live a traditional hunter-gatherer existence.
Their way of life, unchanged for generations, is now under threat from land developers. Some of their ancestral lands have already been forcibly taken with the support of corrupt officials, and further losses remain a constant risk. The tribe are also fighting to protect the sacred Yeak Loam lake from unsustainable development.
Tania has been working to help safeguard their rights, and the community now has support from a leading Cambodian law firm. She explains: “They are desperately trying to keep their lake and land, which is where their food comes from and where their ancestors have hunted and lived for many generations.”
During a recent visit home from her placement, Tania gave a presentation to Old Hall residents about the situation. Moved by her stories, the community decided to organise the gig to raise both funds and awareness of the pressures faced by indigenous people.
Money raised will go into a local fund for the Tampuen people, administered through VSO. Tania, who will remain in the area until at least next April, will help ensure the funds are used effectively. The money will contribute towards a translator who speaks local languages as well as Khmer, and support a youth group.
Tania adds: “The money raised will help these people learn new skills to be able to lobby to keep their lands and survive in a world that is changing fast around them.”
The event runs from 8pm until midnight. Tickets are £5 on the door. There will be a bar and food available.
For further information or to make a donation, call 01206 299380 or visit:
http://oldhall.org.uk
