Ely Parish Brings Hope to Cambodian Community

In the Diocese of East Anglia, the parish of St Etheldreda’s in Ely continues to live out its mission of solidarity through a growing partnership with the remote Cambodian community of Prek Taol.

Situated on the vast Tonlé Sap Lake, Prek Taol is home to families living in extreme poverty. Homes are not built on land but float upon the water, often supported by disused barrels with only a limited lifespan. These fragile structures are pieced together from whatever materials families can afford, offering little protection from the intense heat or the heavy rains of the region.

The challenges faced by the community are stark. Recently, a young girl arrived at the local church with a severely swollen leg. She had been bitten by a snake after accidentally stepping on it during the night. When Father Yacob, the local priest, visited her home, he found her living on a simple platform with no walls and only a torn plastic sheet for a roof. There were no basic facilities such as a toilet, and no privacy, which is especially difficult for young girls who must shield themselves as best they can from passers-by and even family members.

Deeply moved by her situation, Father Yacob reached out to St Etheldreda’s for help. In response, parishioners came together to raise funds to construct a small, private space for the girl, offering her dignity, safety and a measure of comfort. A portion of this funding was provided through the Diocese of East Anglia’s Alive in Faith project. Efforts are now underway to raise further funds to provide a proper roof and, it is hoped, walls for greater protection.

St Etheldreda’s also supports essential aspects of daily life in Prek Taol. Among these is funding one of the two boatmen who transport children across the water to attend school and church, which is the only means of access in this unique environment. For many children, this journey is their sole opportunity for education and spiritual formation.

Despite the hardships, the faith and resilience of the community are evident. Children gather for simple meals of rice soup, attend lessons in modest shared spaces, and travel faithfully by boat to worship.

This partnership stands as a powerful example of the Church’s universal mission, uniting communities across continents in compassion and practical support. As St Etheldreda’s continues its fundraising efforts, it invites others across the diocese to keep the people of Prek Taol in their prayers and, where possible, to contribute to this life changing work.

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