Our Work

• Child Centred Community Development
• Areas of Work
• Program Countries
• Child Sponsorship
• Priority Projects
• Campaigns
• Teachers and Schools

Building Opportunities For Poor Families in Cambodia

Poor self-image, untreated trauma and the isolation and stigma that extreme poverty brings, all contribute to the poorest families in Cambodia missing out on essential services and support. Our Empowering Families project helps these families gain the skills, self-confidence and services they need to improve their lives.

Why is this project a priority?

Cambodia is one of the poorest nations in Asia with more than 95 per cent of the population reliant on agriculture as their main source of livelihood. The families we work with are the poorest of the poor: they do not own land, have had little or no education, have limited means of earning an income and are often stuck in a cycle of debt. In addition, destitution and untreated trauma suffered during the atrocities of the Pol Pot regime have contributed to the social isolation, poor self-image and depression experienced by these families.

What are we doing?

This project enables families to improve their lives by developing their personal empowerment, self-confidence and motivation. We provide practical support to the poorest families in five villages, helping to increase their access to education and health services, and establish family income-generating activities. Since the project began in 2007, around 600 families in Siem Reap province have taken part. They have received counselling to address the stresses of social isolation, poverty and untreated trauma. They have also increased their incomes through activities such as vegetable growing, basket-making and raising livestock.

We have helped to strengthen relationships between communities and service providers, which has resulted in families receiving better access to healthcare and increased enrolment of their children in schools. Literacy classes are also provided for children and adults who are too old to enrol in school. In addition, the establishment of community centres has encouraged community members to come together, which has helped to decrease the stigma and isolation experienced by the poorest of the poor.

A family receives counselling services in their home.

What needs to be done this year?

This year Plan will:

• provide ongoing family counselling to build self-confidence and address issues such as trauma and domestic violence
• promote good health and hygiene knowledge and practice, and build positive parenting skills
• assist families to access health services to ensure appropriate family healthcare
• help Parenting Groups and Child Clubs foster leadership skills and knowledge of rights
• provide material support and training for families to establish sustainable income sources through agriculture,horticulture and handicraft production..

Funding opportunities

$20	covers the monthly stipend for a teacher to conduct literacy classes for children and adults
$50	repairs/renovates a community centre where literacy training, Child Clubs and other activities can be held
$100	provides learning and teaching materials for a preschool

Gender

This project focuses on the poorest families in Cambodia's north: families who are particularly vulnerable as they have limited resources to meet unplanned expenses or loss of income. The women here are even more disadvantaged as they face greater barriers to employment, education and health services, and participation in income-generation activities. They may also suffer from domestic violence. We work to increase their self-confidence and empowerment, providing counselling to families to encourage them to access services and establish a way to earn an income. We also provide education on women’s and children’s rights, which has contributed to a reduction in domestic violence.

This project is also supported by AusAID, the Australian Government Agency for International Development.

Donate to this project

About Plan

Plan is one of the oldest and largest children's development organisations in the world. We work with communities in 50 developing countries and raise funds to support our work in 21 countries like Australia. By actively involving children, and working at a grassroots level with no religious or political agenda, we unite and inspire people around the globe to transform the world for children.