Video collection: Livelihoods in Cambodia and Bangladesh

In 2019 and 2020 Sue Turbett visited Bangladesh and Cambodia to make a series of films for VSO. These short films document the impact VSO projects have had on the lives marginalised people living in rural communities. Each story is told by the individual in their own words.

Crab fishing for a sustainable future

Sathi Das used to be reliant on her husband for money to feed, clothe and educate her two sons. With her gender barring her from most work in Mongla, southern Bangladesh, life was often a struggle. 

Her involvement in VSOs women-only training in crab fishing, became a significant part of her life and she is now President of the Crab Farmers Group. She’s now able to earn a living herself and contribute to the household.

From child marriage to prosperous farmer

Laxmi was forced to drop out school and get married at just 13. Dependent on her husband to support their family, she struggled to make ends meet at their small home in Shyamnagar, West Bangladesh. With training and support from VSO in organic farming methods, she has transformed her life.

Preserving and protecting fish on Cambodia's Great Lake

Fishing was a reliable source of income for Cambodians living near the Great Lake, Tonle Sap. There were abundant fish and little competition. Now, over-fishing, extensive damming and climate change all mean there are fewer fish to go around. VSO supported fishing communities to boost their earnings by protecting fish stocks. Today, the legacy of the project lives on.

Healthy livestock for stable livelihoods

Livestock farming plays a crucial role in ensuring secure and stable livelihoods for families in rural Cambodia. Having healthy livestock is essential to this. Lin provides an accessible veterinary service to rural farmers so better quality livestock can be produced.