Monk Assistants at Wat Svay Por Pei, 2012 By Nguon Oussa

"I am a student living at Wat Svay Por Pei close to The White Building. I study at the Buddhist University inside Wat and come to English and computer classes at AZIZA in The White Building. My photographs document other young people like me – we are monks assistants. Some assist specific monks and some help out the temple more generally. Many of us come from the provinces, some with our family member who is a monk, and we can get free food and free accommodation for our service. There are also young women at this pagoda but I was too shy to ask for their portraits. There are around 100 assistants in this pagoda. These portraits can be a symbol for how The White Building community touches people and other communities beyond its walls."

- Nguon Oussa