The First Certificate

I saw an article recently about motivation in working.  It said that if we stopping learning from our work, we lose insight and motivation for improvements.  I've had this same feeling, because after working in the field for a couple of years, it seems most of my jobs have become routine - like going to the office on weekdays, attending prayer meeting on Wednesdays and worship on Sundays.  These meetings or problems of similar nature all bring about some bored feelings, especially when we don't see any change happening.  However, God is good because He always lets me experience His abundant provision, which is always beyond my expectations.

Two weeks ago, our school project coworker, Brother Khlee, asked me if I was interested in attending an intensive 3-day course about Labor Law in Cambodia.  At first, I hesitated to participate because it was a KHMER training course for personnel who work for private sectors or organizations.  However, I took a deep breath and decided to go because I thought it would also be a good challenge to my language capabilities.  Just as I had expected, all the trainers and participants were Cambodians, and I was the only ‘alien' in the class.  Throughout the course, I thank God that I  was able to learn both the information and get new insights into Cambodian learning style as well.

The Mentality of Labor Law in Cambodia

The more I heard about the regulations, the more curious I got about how organizations or companies can fulfill those requirements.  For instance, in addition to the public ‘red letter' holidays, the employer should provide 18 days annual leave, 7 days casual leave and at least a month of full paid sick leave annually if needed.  As I counted up the total days off, it is already more than 45 days (more if they need not to work on Saturdays like in our office). The employers also need to give severance pay and related benefits; and it is also a norm to pay a "13th month" as a bonus to the salary.  All these requirements show the system is protecting employees just like what we have in other modern cities. However, reality here is quite the opposite, as we see employers exploiting workers and the authorities don't seem to care.  It may partly relate to the lack of knowledge of their worker's rights, and partly due to the bargaining power between the employer and employee.  I instantly asked myself what would happen if our mission should fulfill ALL the regulations.  If we did, we might need to close our office and childcare centers because we don't have enough resources to satisfy all the requirements.  On the other hand, I thought about the situation and wondered if we are exploiting our staff or if we are trying to build up ‘comparatively' fair working conditions for them.  Of course, it may be a subjective way of thinking, but the inner motive is also my prime concern.  May God guide us in how to do our best in an imperfect world.

The Culture of Learning

• The Certificate really means a lot--On the first day we arrived, the staff of the organization asked us to provide a photo for the certificate. Luckily I had one in my wallet. I was surprised to see that all participants seemed to be well prepared. I recalled two years ago when I suggested that one of my staff apply for a training course, the first thing he was concerned about was the offer of the certificate for the course. Also, when I've visited some church members, they have been excited to show their children's certificates (even an attendance certificate) to me. I can see ‘visible recognition' is an important motivation in learning
• Take it easy --- We always complain our church members are not able to focus during the worship services. They may be talking with each other, hanging around outside, or being easily distracted by something happening. In the same way, I observed that no matter how the trainer tried his/her best to grasp the attention of the participants, they behaved exactly the same. However, I did not see that the trainer was upset or took any action, but he just kept talking as if it didn't irritate him and take away his enthusiasm. I think the way they pay respect to others is different from our perceptions. In between the sessions, coffee break is also an important part of the program when they can enjoy delicious snacks, drinks and chatting.
• Have fun --- In the last session, there was a special event that I also recalled from church programs (especially our Youth Camp). The trainer replayed some video clips of the training sessions and everyone was so happy to see these and make fun with each other.

Actually, I feel that the whole program in a sense was more relational and the participants were very keen to clarify their concerns between the regulations and real situations.  After the training, I feel more optimistic over the betterment of the society.  We are not alone to advocate fairness and justice in our daily struggle against corruption and exploitation.

Last but not least, I am so proud of myself to get my FIRST certificate in Cambodia.

Prayer points

1. Thank the Lord that Philemon (one of our university students) has started to work with us as the development projects coordinator. He is a very helpful and faithful worker

2. Pray for plans to gather the university graduates to form a fellowship. May God guide and lead us in His Will

3. Pray for our missionary team, pastors, leaders, members and students, because many of us are sick

4. Pray for my health and strength that I can work in His joy

Colossians 1:10

Davis Lam

Cambodia Mail Address: P.O Box 602, Phnom Penh, Cambodia