Day 5: Visit to the Killing Field and S21 Prison

Today, the students had the chance to visit the Killing Field used by the Khmer Rouge to execute the prisoners. It was disturbing for the students to see the mass graves, the tree where the babies were smashed, and the skeletons of the victims. Through the visit, the students understood the Cambodia history much better. The 5 years of Khmer Rouge had caused tremendous pain and trauma for the Cambodians, even up til today. The Cambodians are in fact suffering the consequences of this cruel civil war of their country.  

Besides the Killing Field, the students also visited the S21 prison, in which thousands of prisoners were detained and tortured before sending to the killing field to be executed. In the prison cells, there was one bed  on which the prisoner was handcuffed to and tortured cruelly. Pictures of the bodies of the prisoners were hanged up on the walls of the cells. The Cambodian guide who was one of the survivors during the Khmer Rouge showed us around and explained to us how the prisoners were tortured. It was heartbreaking to hear how brutal and ruthless Pol Pot, the leader of the Khmer Rouge, was towards his fellow Cambodians.

We were fortunate to be able to see one of the survivors who was tortured at the S21 prison. He was an old man who has truly gone through lots of pain and suffering during the Khmer Rouge.

The visit certainly has left a deep impression on the students. They have learnt to appreciate the leaders back in Singapore. Not only that, they also have learnt the importance of being a leader with values.

Quotes of the day:

"Pol Pot regime was very cruel. Khmer rouge killed their own people and were very ruthless."  - Kelvin, 3C

"I am thankful that Singapore is not like this because it is not corrupted." -Thivagar, 3N2

"Pol Pot is a good leader but in the wrong way. He did not have values."    -Cong Lin, 3C

"Women and kids dumped at killing fields after being tortured. They should not kill fellow Cambodians.  Fellow Cambodians gathered many of the remains and created a memorial for them. This shows propriety as they are doing a responsible act by caring for the fellow Cambodians."     -Nabila, 3T1

"The captured Cambodians were deprived of hygiene as they were only allowed to bathe twice a month. I can realize how difficult it must have been to survive then. I wonder if I can endure the torture if I am the one captured."                  -Jocelyn, 3B