A project overview of Plan\'s Empowering Poorest Families project in Cambodia

1. Plan Cambodia Overview
Picture: A girl learning at Plan supported centre

2. About Cambodia
Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world.
One third of Cambodians live on less than 1 US dollar a
day and 95% of the population are reliant on agriculture
as their main source of livelihood.
Problems affecting the children
of Cambodia
• Poor quality education means many children drop out
of school before they finish their studies.
• 40% of people live in extreme poverty.
• Lack of awareness of children’s rights and child
protection mean children are in danger of
trafficking, violence and abuse

3. Plan’s priorities in Cambodia
Education
• Implementing plans for each school in our working areas.
• Providing scholarships, teaching materials, remedial classes
and developing curriculums.
• Building libraries and playgrounds.
• Watch: Heng's story: how breakfast is keeping hungry
children at school.
• Picture: Plan-supported community preschool in Kampong
Cham, Cambodia.

4. Plan’s priorities in Cambodia
Health
• Educating teenagers on sexual and reproductive health.
• Improving local health centres and the services they provide.
• Increasing access to safe drinking water, promoting better levels of
hygiene at home, in schools and communities.
Picture: Rural Cambodian’s refer to childbirth as “crossing the river”, a
phrase that resonates with the uncertainties involved. Plan Cambodia
supports community health volunteers and trains traditional midwives
to lower the uncertainties during delivery.

5. Plan’s priorities in Cambodia
Livelihoods
• Working with local partners to provide basic
savings and loans services to poor
families, improving farming techniques and
exploring job opportunities with young
people.
• Making children part of decision-making and
protecting them from abuse
• Setting up youth groups and children’s
clubs, where young people receive training on
children’s rights and can have a voice in their
community.
• Working to stop child trafficking and child
abuse in schools
Picture: Ching has been provided a weaving loom
by Plan. With the loom, she is able to add to the
family's income. Each day she produces 1-2
scarves, making her about 25 cents US. "The
income has helped my status in the family, there
are fewer arguments between me and my
husband now," she tells. The extra income also
means the family may eat more and more
nutritious food.

6. Funds raised from RAA is
going towards Plan’s Building
Opportunities for the Poorest
Families Project.
Aim: To make a positive difference in the lives
of the poorest of the poor families in
Cambodia.
Region: Siem Reap
Why: 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.
Picture: Mrs Aiy San’s daughter helps her
sell fruit at the local market
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7. 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 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.
Literacy classes are 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.
Picture: Voluntary teacher Vathana teaches at informal
afternoon English class . "Going to school - any kind of
schooling - builds confidence, security and valuable networks
for the children. It is a win-win situation."

8. Through your donations you will help:
• provide vocational training for out-
of-school youth from the poorest
families
• provide ongoing family counselling
to build self-confidence and
address issues such as trauma and
domestic violence
• cover the monthly stipend for a
teacher to conduct literacy classes
for children and adults
• provide learning and teaching
materials for a preschool
• provide material support and
training for families to establish
sustainable income sources through
agriculture, horticulture and
handicraft production.
Picture: Girl in returning from school in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

9. If you would like to learn more about Plan please
see www.plan.org.au or if you have any questions
please contact Meg Hamilton on 03 9672 3664 or
meg.hamilton@plan.org .au
Thank you