Phka Sla Kraom Angkar Mobile Exhibition
A discarded mango seed, left in the sun and rain, takes root and grows to bear fruit again. Written by a young monk during a Kdei Karuna dialogue between youth and survivors of forced marriage under the Khmer Rouge, this poem became an image of survivors' resilience — the capacity to grow strength and life from hardship. It traveled with the Phka Sla Kraom Angkar Mobile Exhibition, carrying survivors' stories into new communities.
The Mango Seed
After a mango is eaten, its seed is thrown away. Lying on the ground for days and months, under rays of sunlight, a new color covers the seed.
Rainfall offers the seed a new destiny. Again growing, blossoming, producing fruit, like all other mango trees.
Just like the mango seed, you develop strong roots, you regain strength and power, from the soil, sun, and rain. Throughout days and months, you grow leaves and bear fruit.
After a mango is eaten, its seed is thrown away. Lying on the ground for days and months, under rays of sunlight, a new color covers the seed.
Rainfall offers the seed a new destiny. Again growing, blossoming, producing fruit, like all other mango trees.
Just like the mango seed, you develop strong roots, you regain strength and power, from the soil, sun, and rain. Throughout days and months, you grow leaves and bear fruit.
- Poem by Ven. Phorn Phanoeun — student, National Institute of Social Affairs (NISA)
