“People without knowledge of their past, history or culture is a like a tree without roots.”
-Irish Quote
សួស្តី! Hello!
I’m Sothy. សុធី។
Welcome! As the first generation Khmer Krom living abroad, it can be mighty confusing to figure out who you are or why you are here. This site was created for two reasons. Firstly, to help you explore your culture, identity and ultimately help you find your place in the world just like what I am doing right now. Secondly, to help advocate for the voices of the Khmer Krom people, who like the cherteal tree, stands unrecognized as the Indigenous Peoples of the Mekong Delta and its surrounding region.
Whatever reason brings you here, know that you will learn, find inspiration, belonging and be unstoppable in helping to make the world a better place.
LATEST POSTS
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Joys of coming back to work during COVID 19
There is often a lot of talk in media about increasing infections, death and fear. I don’t want to diminish the fact that COVID 19 is real but having been back to work on campus and seeing others, has helped me feel safe, connected and sane. Safe because we were all doing everything we can
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Happy New Year! 2021 is here…
As I step outside, a cool breeze rushes towards me and gently lingers on my bare forearms as if in greeting. On my left, a bird chirps and the branches of the trees rustled as if in response. The sun is bright, its ray of light filtering through trees and warming the grass covered in…
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Seven Reasons Why I am thankful for 2020
As 2020 comes to close and 2021 enters, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the struggles and count my blessings. There are seven reasons why I am thankful for 2020. Practiced Slowing down We live in a very busy society, where being busy is often seen as a sign of being productive.
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A fitting name for this site
I decided to name this site, Cher Teal, a word in Khmer for “Wood Teal”. It is the name of a sacred tree that lies in the heart of Preah Trapeang province. According to local Khmer legends, this tree was planted by Chao Vay Son Kuy, a Khmer Krom Governor in the nineteenth century prior
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Happy Birthday Om Reap
Khmer is my mother tongue language and yet I struggle to this day, to read and write frequently. I remembered a time when I had to speak in front of our Khmer Krom community. I remembered the fear of not finding the right word or being able to translate from English To Khmer in time
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Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Join KKFYC
Top Ten Things you learn by being part of KKF/KKFYC I have been part of Khmers Kampuchea Krom Federation for almost 2 decades. Sounds kind of long if one puts it that way. My journey started when I was just 17, back when computers were rare and expensive and the only way one could get
Cherteal 