The Story of Rin Rumany

Rin Rumany is from Saang District in Kandal Province. He is 49, married and is the father of seven children.  He lost both of his legs to a landmine. 

Rumany was a soldier during the decades of civil war in Cambodia. In 1987, he was sent to Battambang Province near the Thailand Border to fight side by side with the Vietnamese forces against the Khmer Rouge. One day when his troop was ambushed, he ran across a minefield. His injuries were so devastating that he fell unconscious. He was evacuated to Battambang Hospital.

Both Rumany’s legs had to be amputated above the knee. He was transferred to a military hospital in Phnom Penh where he remained for six months. During this time he became so desperate that he did not want to continue to live. In 2001, Rin first came to Kien Khleang Rehabilitation Center to receive treatment. So far, VIC has provided him with three wheelchairs.

As a fisherman, Rumany was struggling to support such a large family. His war injuries were now causing him to suffer from regular seizures. This made it dangerous for him to be around water without anyone else around.

Changing tactics, Rumany decided to start a motorbike repair service in front of his house. Unfortunaly, he lacked the proper equipment to provide a quality service so his struggle with money continued. His four older children were forced to drop out of school to find work. Without anywhere else to turn, Rumany asked VIC if he could apply for a small grant to help him build his repair business.

In early 2008, Rumany received an air pressure pump through the funding from VICs Adopt-A-Minefield Grant. With the air pressure pump he now earns enough additional income for his 3 younger children to attend school.  On a good day, he earns 8,000 Riels (approximately $2), enough to support the basic needs of the family.

Rin Rumany said during the site manager’s visit: “When I became a landmine survivor and a double amputee, I was so depressed.  I thought that I could never work anymore, that my life is over.  The wheelchair I received from VIC changed my life. I was able to move around and work to support my family. My earnings from my motorbike repairs significantly increased when I revived my air pressure pump.  I feel more secure and confident and am now able to support my family. Thank you VI and AAM for helping me”.