A typical day for a local boy at Tonle Sap Lake begins early. Living in one of the floating villages, his home is a wooden house on stilts or a raft, constantly surrounded by water. From a young age, he learns to navigate the lake using a small boat or canoe, an essential skill for daily life.
Morning chores often include helping his family with fishing, the primary source of livelihood for many around the lake. The boy assists in setting up fishing nets, checking traps, and sorting the catch. These tasks not only contribute to the family’s income but also teach him important skills and a deep understanding of the lake’s ecosystem.
After completing his chores, he might attend a floating school if one is available in his village. Education in these communities is often informal and interrupted, but efforts by NGOs and the government strive to provide access to learning despite the challenging circumstances. School offers him a chance to learn basic literacy and numeracy, as well as environmental stewardship, which is crucial for the sustainability of their way of life.