Photo: PEPY Tours
Today, March 25, is the 100th anniversary of the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York City. In 1911, when the fire broke out in a garment industry sweatshop that was locked to keep laborers inside and union organizers outside–many of the women workers–most of them immigrants working in inhumane conditions, perished.
What was a travesty of oppression a century ago still happens today. Modern day slavery and human trafficking keep some of the world’s industries going (agriculture, garment, mining, the sex trade) with forced labor and indentured servitude. When it comes to the clothing industry, sweat shops, and people working without the benefit of choice (or a living wage or humane working conditions), one of the hot spots on the globe–though by no means the only place this happens–is Cambodia. Somaly Mam is an inspiring advocate from Cambodia, fighting against slavery and bringing the fight to the worldwide stage with her foundation. Learn about her and her work–you will be glad you took the time.
A volunteer vacation opportunity in Cambodia that works with several community organizations for the betterment of situations faced by urban and rural populations, is a bicycle trip with PEPY Tours. The vacation money you spend with PEPY helps fund education programs throughout Cambodia, and your close-to-the-source immersion in the culture will make a difference in both your life and the lives of the children and adults of the programs where you’ll pitch in. Your participation supports education and literacy there, and educates you about responsible development and community progress among individuals with whom you will share time and stories and hard work.
Change by Doing 