Eager to learn about Kalyanee Mam’s experiences in Cambodia, Singapore and more, Poly’s Global Initiatives Program (GIP) welcomed the human rights activist on Thursday, March 7
Mam began with the backstory of her film, “Lost World,” which describes the destructive effects of sand dredging on the livelihood of Cambodia’s residents as well as the environment. Her film dove into the life of Phalla Vy as she struggled to provide for her family amidst receding sandlines. Vy and Mam both took a trip to Singapore and noted how people had used sand from Cambodia to build fake mountains and terrariums. A refugee who escaped the Khmer Rouge, Mam concluded her talk with anecdotes about her experience revising her motherland.
Senior and Global Scholar Cyanne Jones said, “Although the problem seems far away from us, the problems are in LA, too. For example, many Mexican Americans were forced out of their homes in Chavez Ravine during the 1950s to create the Dodger Stadium.”
Co-Director of GIP and Upper School French teacher Ann Diederich, who coordinated the event, noted, “Kalyanee spent weeks living with families so that she could see through their lens. We must learn to truly connect with people through empathy if we are actually to make a change and not simply do something performative.”
Co-Director of GIP and Upper School history teacher Rick Caragher added, “When Kalyanne contrasted education in Cambodia to the United States, we realized the difference in values. Here, it’s about content and power, but in Cambodia, it’s about relationships, the land, and wisdom.”