Partners in Compassion, Phnom Penh Office. St. Ursula s Gymnasium, Dorsten Cambodia Programme Report on Activities at 31 December 2013

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1 Partners in Compassion, Phnom Penh Office St. Ursula s Gymnasium, Dorsten Cambodia Programme Report on Activities at 31 December 2013 Page No. Description 1 Thank you 2 'What can young Cambodian's do for Cambodia' 3 Poverty Reduction Program in Cambodia St. Ursula's Gymnasium - Cambodia Programme 4 Partners in Compassion (PC) Mission Statement Objectives of P.C. Projects being supported entirely by St. Ursula's Gymnasium 5 Projects under shared support with other Organizations Activities managed and implemented by P.C Activities & Participants (chart) 6 Vocational Training analysis (chart) Project Locations & Activities 14 Impacts & Personal Story 16 Conclusion THANK YOU On the occasion of the 10 th Anniversary of Partners in Compassion, Phnom Penh Branch we wish to thank St. Ursula s Gymnasium for the partnership shown to the people of Cambodia. 1

2 WHAT CAN YOUNG CAMBODIANS DO FOR CAMBODIA? Young people under the age of 30 make up 70 percent of Cambodia s population of more than 14 million, according to a survey conducted by the Human Rights Center at the University of California at Berkeley. Today s trend towards issues affecting young people is the result of the baby boom that followed in the wake of civil wars that consumed Cambodian society in the 1970s and in the decade that followed. Looking at recent unemployment figures might seem heartening, but everyone knows that these figures don t represent the reality facing most of the Kingdom s youth. Outside of the bustling capital, you will notice that when it comes to official unemployment reports, what you see is not what you get. Yet what they find is insecure employment at best and oftentimes exploitation and slavery. The truth that gross unemployment figures fail to expose is that there is a critical shortage of job opportunities for Cambodian youth in the provinces who, as they take on responsibility of caring for their families, are being forced into a fierce competition for whatever work is available. To compound the problem, Cambodia s rising youth workforce is the least-educated in the region, making their struggle against inflation even more difficult as better-skilled foreign workers are given preference for job openings all along the economic ladder. While moving about rural Cambodia, I have seen too many youth hanging out in gangs and resorting to violence to get their way. But I don t see cruelty inside of them; I see wasted talent. I see minds that are waiting to be cultivated so they can help in the betterment of their country and I ask myself: What opportunities should they be given to allow them to show their full potential as students and workers? I want to know what paths are available for them to become the productive youth that are envisioned in the Millennium Development Goals, the optimistic plan for improving developing countries like Cambodia presented to the UN 15 years ago. For those who care, reports of the alarming poverty in Cambodia are unavoidable. At least 30 percent of Cambodians fall below the poverty line, meaning they are unable to meet even the most basic needs for stable human existence. It makes you wonder if things can really be turned around by an idea, even if it is produced by some of the world s best thinkers. It still comes as a shock that many Cambodian students choose to study management, hoping to become a manager or somebody important, while programs teaching critical skills such as engineering and technology are still in low demand. It is no wonder that investors often turn away from the domestic labour force to fill highly skilled positions. In many sectors, there are no experts here. 2

3 What s worse is that most of the 300,000 young Cambodian graduates who are entering the workforce every year decided to treat school like a challenge instead of an opportunity. They tuned out in the classroom and cheated on tests, and in the end their parents paid for useless degrees. Fortunately, youth-related organisations and associations have been sprouting up to teach young people the value of socially minded work and provide trainings that give them the skills and experience. But it is not up to development organisations to fill the outstretched hands of Cambodia s vulnerable people. Cambodian youth need to pull pack their hands and put them to work. If 30 percent of Cambodians are making less than $2 a day, the 70 percent of us who are youth can surely make an extra dollar a day to lift everyone above poverty. The tasks facing young Cambodians might seem overwhelming. It won t be easy to give everyone access to a basic education, good health, proper employment and a voice in our society, but we must not aim for anything less. Cambodians younger than 30 account for a third of the work force today and will soon make up a majority. For those of us lucky enough to go to university and understand the importance of personal freedoms and human rights, it is our calling to make real change in Cambodia. Many of our brothers and sisters are still stuck in the same mess our parents struggled to escape from nearly 40 years ago. It is urgent that we find a way to pull them out. Poverty Reduction Program in Cambodia When the St. Ursula s Cambodia Project started over 14 years ago it was towards responses in emergency situations such as the support for the Literacy Project at Bodin as well as the huge emergency support following the fires at Bodin & Dermchan. However with the construction and opening of the Vocational Centre at Sen Sok in 2002 the focus became less on emergency and more on long term development and poverty reduction. The commitment by St. Ursula s Gymnasium to long term support for the projects being supported has meant that these initiatives can continue to benefit those living in poverty over a long period. Some of these projects are being supported exclusively by St. Ursula s and others are in partnership with the Schmitz Foundations and the tri-partite project including the Rotary Club at Gladbeck Kirchhellen. Over the years the number and variety of interventions by Partners in Compassion has grown, however as can be seen from the reports there is a concentration in the education sector, in the rural areas and towards Community Development. St. Ursula s Gymnasium Cambodia Programme The partnership between Cambodia and St. Ursula s Gymnasium goes back to the days when COERR (Catholic Office for Emergency Relief & Refugees) was in Cambodia, following the withdrawal of COERR from Cambodia in 2004 St. Ursula s requested Partners in Compassion to take over their management. This was the birth of Partners in Compassion, Phnom Penh office and was the beginning of its management in non HIV/Medical projects. There have been many developments since February 2004 then there were 3 Projects at 2 locations, we are happy to report as of now there are 11 Projects or components of projects at 5 locations all supported by St. Ursula s Gymnasium. This development has been possible through the continued support and the need for the interventions as expressed by our partners at commune/community/village levels. 3

4 The focus of this report is on projects being supported by St. Ursula s and those in partnership with the Schmitz Foundations & The Rotary Club. For Reports on all activities being managed by Partners in Compassion, Phnom Penh we respectfully refer you to the 2013 Annual Report of Partners in Compassion. Partners in Compassion (PC) Partners in Compassion (P.C.) was formed in 2001 and has been recognized by the Ministry of the Interior through its letter no dated 21st. December The Organization developed the first care center for those living with HIV/Aids in the grounds of a Buddhist Temple at Wat Opot in Bati District of Takeo Province, this Project known as the Wat Opot Project. It is now a community of people helping each other having HIV/Aids in common whether being directly or indirectly touched by the virus. The Phnom Penh Office born in 2004 witnessed the entry of the organization into non-direct health issues, focusing on Education and Community Development Programs based on Project Cycle Management. Our Mission Statement To enhance the welfare of all Cambodians living without a voice, capacity, ability or the opportunity to change their situation by providing counselling, education, vocational training, and or capacity building to help create sustainability in both the individuals and their communities. Partners in Compassion is committed to the implementation of project activities in response to the basic needs of beneficiaries and its staff work with integrity, transparency and accountability to its beneficiaries and donors. Partners in Compassion its staff and volunteers work with a high standard of morals and principals when implementing activities with beneficiaries and communications with relevant stakeholders. Partners in Compassion collaborate with other organization to create solidarity, good practice and integrated approach to best serve its target groups. Objectives of Partners in Compassion, Phnom Penh The work of Partners in Compassion is to work with Communes, Communities and individuals representing groups of poor and vulnerable members of society to help them to develop their visions of a brighter future for members of their communities. We help in assessing needs, project proposal writing and gaining support from donors. We are involved in all phases of the project cycle from its inception to the final report managing and supporting the interventions. At the same time we work to develop the capacity of grass-roots leaders. Projects being supported entirely by St. Ursula s Gymnasium Location Project Time-frame Kandal Province Kindergarten August 2005 on going Prek Rai Commune Kandal Province Prek Rai Commune Support for 4 families living with HIV/Aids April 2003 December 2013 This project has now closed. Takeo Province Children s Sponsorship April 2006 on-going Treang Takeo Province Top Up Education July 2004 on going Wat Opot Community Takeo Province Wat Opot Community Expressions from within : Promoting Healing and Building Self Confidence in Orphans and Vulnerable Children through participation in Creative Arts Activities 4 January December 2013 Due to the lack of funding this project is being funded by a new donor.

5 Projects under shared support with other Organizations Location Project Time-frame Support Kandal Province Prek Rai Commune Literacy Training, Vocational Training & Income Generation August 2004 on going St. Ursula s & Schmitz Foundations Kompong Spue Province Village of Procheavbath Phnom Penh Villages of Sen Sok District Literacy Training, Vocational Training, Income Generation, Kindergarten & Health Education Vocational Training & Income Generation St. Ursula s, Schmitz Foundations & Rotary Club August 2004 on going St. Ursula s & Schmitz Foundations Activities managed and implemented by P.C. Literacy, Vocational Training, Income Generation, Pre School (Kindergarten), Children Sponsorship, Art, Informal Education, Health (Home Based Care for HIV/Aids), Community Living with HIV/Aids, Capacity Building and Institutional Development. Activities & Participants 5

6 Project Locations and Activities 1. Kandal Province Prek Rai Prek Rai Commune is situated in the Lvea Em district of Kandal Province close to the Tonle Touch River, the population is 5063 with 1021 families and 795 children aged from birth to six years of age. There are 2718 young adults, the majority of whom are female (54% to 46%). Due to family pressures many young people do not complete their education and therefore lack a skill. There are 965 houses the majority of which are made from palm leaves or timber, some from cement and brick. The source of income for the majority of the people in the commune is from farming however during the flooding season a few families make their living from fishing and selling mango trees. The only opportunity for Vocational Training are the Courses managed by Partners in Compassion (Sewing, Beauty Salon, TV/Radio Repair & Motor Repairs) Those wanting to work must travel to Phnom Penh, 32 kilometers away using boat and motor-taxi. The Commune is very lucky and thankful for having vocational training opportunities in the commune as there are many communes without this opportunity for their young people to get a skill and be able to earn an income. A bridge linking the two Provinces Kandal and Prey Veng was opened in April 2010, close-by to the vocational center, and already can be seen as a pull factor for those living on the other side to come to Prek Rai for vocational training. There is a Commune Development Plan and a Commune Disaster Preparedness & Prevention Plan The Region or District that the project is located in is called Lvea Em District, the Province is called Kandal. 90% of the population is engaged in Farming, Fishing, Growing Vegetables and Fruit for their own consumption and not for selling, 4% are employed in garment factories and construction work, 2% are civil servants or work in the army, 4% are vendors. They are family farmers, with small holdings. The majority population is ethnic Khmer with some Vietnamese. There are families, the total population is of whom are females. There is no industry in the District, the nearest employment centre is Phnom Penh. It is estimated that 40% of the population of the district earn an income of R per day ($225 per year), 35 % can earn an income up to R per day ($450 per year) and 25% can earn an income up to R.7000 per day ($630 per year). 6

7 Activities Supported by St. Ursula s Gymnasium: Literacy, Vocational Training (Sewing), Pre School, Support to HIV Families and Income Generation. 2. Kompong Spue Province Procheavbath Procheavbath Village is situated in the Ton Por Meas Commune, the population of the village is 963 with 205 families and 488 children, of which 172 are aged 1 month to 5 years. There are over 488 young adults, the majority of whom are female. There is an extremely high rate of illiteracy estimated at 35% of the population. The number of students going from Primary School to Secondary School is very low due to the long distance, 7 kilometers, the family pressures for young people to work on farms and the lack of transport. Consequently the majority never complete their education and therefore lack a skill. There are 205 houses all are made from palm leaves or timber. There is no electricity supply in the village, people use car batteries or kerosene lamps. The supply of water in the village is from rain water collected in large jars and in two large ponds. There are 7 wells in the village but water comes from just 2. 7

8 Sources of income are from farming, growing vegetables, picking wood for cooking and making charcoal, the average annual income is $250 compared with $190 last year. This is an increase of $60 from last year. The nearest market is 27 kilometers away in Kompong Spue town, the form of transportation is the ramak. The nearest health care centre is 12 kilometers away. The land area of the village is 1909 hectares. The only Vocational Training opportunities in the Commune are those now at Procheavabath. By supporting the construction and running costs of a Kindergarten we are supporting one of the priorities of the Royal Government of Cambodia in its commitment to establish kindergartens in all villages of the kingdom. A 4 roomed Kindergarten/Vocational Training Centre was constructed measuring 24 x 9 ½ meters. Each room measures 6 X 7 meters. There is a separate toilet building. The construction is of cement and brick. It was commenced on 16 June and completed on 20th. August By supporting Vocational Training we are supporting the expressed needs of the villagers. This Project does not only benefit the residents of the Village of Procheavbath but also benefits other villages in the Commune. As there is no other Vocational Training available in the Commune at present the training that is available at Procheavbath encourages those from other villages to take part. The Region/Commune is called Tom Por Meas. There are 13 villages in the Commune. In the commune there are 1438 Families, 7069 Residents, 3624 Females, 3445 Males, 4198 adults over the age of 18, of which 2217 are Female and 1981 are Male. There are 1975 children aged 6 17 years of age and 992 aged 0 5 years. There are 1409 houses in the commune. Income is generated from Farming, Collecting & Burning Charcoal, Growing Vegetables and a small number working in Garment Factories. The average annual income per family is $300 (an increase of $30 from last year). The land area of the commune is hectares. There are 3 Primary Schools, and one Secondary School, however there is no High School in the Commune. In the last year there has been an increase of 45 families (33 last year) families in the commune or 122 persons. The average annual income has increased from $200 to $270 to $300, an increase of $30. Activities supported by St. Ursula s Gymnasium: Literacy, Vocational Training (Sewing, Motor Cycle Repairs), Income Generation and Pre School. 8

9 3. Phnom Penh Sen Sok The District is now known as Sen Sok. In the district there are 3 Communes of which Kmougn is one. In this commune there are 13 Villages (these 13 villages is the target area for the project), The area previously known as Sen Sok is now known as Anlongkrangan, it still comprises of the 7 Villages. In the commune of Khmougn there is a total of 3538 families in the 13 villages, in the 7 villages making up Anlongkrangan, (previously known as Sen Sok) there are 1354 families. The vocational Training centre is located in Village No.2. The area is located approx. 14 kilometers from the centre of Phnom Penh, up to November 2001 it was a rice growing area. As a result of two massive fires at two slum dwelling areas of the City (Bodin and Dermchan) people were re-housed to this place. At the time it had no infrastructure no roads, electricity, water, markets, schools, in summary it was a desert in which people were housed with little assistance from the authorities in terms of shelter and essential services. In the ensuing 8 years it has developed, there are approx people living in the area and there is still some unused land that has been reserved for more families to be housed. Water and Electricity is now available in the 7 villages of Anlong Kra Ngan 24 hours a day. 9 Some road development is taking place and more is planned. Primary and Secondary education has been provided by the Government with the partnership of NGO s. The area has developed the social evils of any highly populated area such as a high crime rate together with prostitution, drug abuse, HIV/Aids etc. There is a high rate of illiteracy amongst the adult and young adult population.

10 There are few opportunities for adult literacy and vocational training. Education is seen as something for the rich the poor must earn an income to support their families. There are now an additional 6 communities of slum dwellers in Sen Sok: Sen Sour Sdey, Pon Leu 1, Pon Leu 2, Samrong Mean Chey, Sen Sabay Sen Reak Reay. There is a total of 1014 families in these additional communities. Generally people earn their living by Motor Dup driving, Construction Work, Garment Factory work, Vendor. Activities Supported by St. Ursula s Gymnasium: Vocational Training (Sewing) & Income Generation. 4. Takeo Province Treang Treang is located in Takeo Province close to the border with Kompong Spue. It is a farming area, there is some livestock farming however the majority is crop (rice) growing. It is understandable therefore that the climate pays a big part in income generation for the farmers. In the past number of years rainfall has been sporadic, some parts of the province suffering from drought while others suffering from floods. Consequently there is no reliable source of income for the farmers. In the district as a result of HIV/Aids there are over 400 orphaned children. While their parents are alive and sick it is their responsibility to take care of them, consequently many children must abandon their education, after their parents have died many must take on the responsibility of supporting younger siblings. Many families are forced to sell their land in order to pay for medication and the daily living costs. The general diseases of the area include malaria, diarrhea, chickenpox as well the usual diseases such as cough, headache, hepatitis etc. There are 36 children living at the House of Compassion, the children come from different backgrounds, some are orphans, some are HIV positive while others were accepted at the centre because their families could not support them. 10

11 Activities supported by St. Ursula s Gymnasium: Children Sponsorship. Monthly Meetings with all children, distribution of school supplies or hygiene supplies together with financial support. Monitoring the academic development of the children, moral encouragement & motivation to all the children. 11

12 Wat Opot The Wat Opot Community is situated within the grounds of a Buddhist temple in Bati district of Takeo province, approximately 80 kilometers south of Phnom Penh. The project was founded by Partners in Compassion in 2001 in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Cambodia, which left many people affected by HIV/AIDS and their families homeless, destitute and hopeless. Over the years the Wat Opot Community has gradually changed its focus from providing care for sick and dying adults, to become a Wat Opot Children s Community, providing long term care, support and education opportunities for over 70 vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. Since 2001 the Wat Opot Community infrastructure has also expanded and consists of several permanent buildings including a small school with two classroom; kitchen and dining room; office buildings; weaving room, children s center and ponds and gardens. In 2008 a Taiwanese group donated funds to construct a permanent dormitory for the children. The staff of Wat Opot consists of a highly committed expatriate volunteer who in addition is one of the founders of Partners in Compassion lives at Wat Opot; Cambodian program staff, teachers and HIV positive parents and their children. There are also a constant flow of long and short term international volunteers who offer their expertise and experience to the community. The Wat Opot staff also conducts outreach activities to people affected by HIV/AIDS and orphans and vulnerable children in the surrounding villages. Currently there are approximately 70 children at Wat Opot, ranging in age from one to eighteen years old. Approximately twenty five of the children living at Wat Opot are receiving anti retrovirals, and regular follow up medical care at the Takeo provincial hospital. Wat Opot is a place full of hope, love and laughter. Staff and volunteers are loving and attentive. Despite this supportive environment, the reality is that most of the children s lives have been severely affected by trauma and loss. Living in a large community such as Wat Opot it is not possible to provide the children with the individual care, attention and professional counseling they need to cope with the trauma they have faced in their lives. The surrounding rural villages of Wat Opot are very poor. Takeo province is one of the poorest provinces in the country. Children in the surrounding village often live in very difficult circumstances, either orphaned by HIV/AIDS or left with elderly grandparents, as their parents have migrated to the city in search of work. They often have less access to health care and education than the children who live at Wat Opot. Children attend classes at the local village school but because of a shortage of teachers and low salaries education at public schools is not of a high quality, education in Cambodia is conducted on a part-time basis with the children either attending school in the mornings or afternoons on a rotational basis. The children have several hours of free time every day. The Wat Opot teachers and community, realize that quality higher education is vital for the children s future and are keen to expand the scope of subjects taught at Wat Opot school and strengthen the quality of education provided. The Wat Opot community also wants to strengthen links with the surrounding communities, and offer opportunities to local village children to attend classes available to Wat Opot children. 12

13 Activities supported by St. Ursula s Gymnasium: Informal Education, Art Project 13

14 Summary of IMPACTS & Personal Story Changes in the lives of Participants and Communes as a result of taking training with Partners in Compassion: Sin Channa was born in Lavea Em district, Kandal province. She is a former student, who studied sewing as her vocation at Partners in Compassion in 2008; in the meanwhile, she was also studying in high school. Due to her vocational training, sewing, she has successfully graduated from her university studies. Personal Story The following interview is between Sin Channa and the Catholic Student Center, alias (CSC). CSC: What made you study sewing as your vocation? Sin Channa: I was in grade 11 by the time I first attended sewing class. In my vacation from school, I thought I wouldn t be able to afford to continue to the university at all because of the poverty of my family. Thus, I decided to attend sewing class so that in the future I would use this as my personal skill to make a living. CSC: Why would you think that you would not be able to afford to study for your university degree? Sin Channa: It s simply because my family is poor. My parents are farmers. We don t even have a big plot of land to farm; therefore, I would love to attend sewing class which took 6 months to study in Partners in Compassion. CSC: In 6 months, how much have you learned from sewing? Sin Channa: I am able to sew some kinds of clothes for kids and adults and some other clothes which are not so fancy. I, at the same time, am able to socialize to learn from the outside world, and I can get along with friends and share experience from one another, and I am courageous enough to join the whole society. CSC: After you finished the vocational training course did you want to use the skill or continue your education at high school? Sin Channa: First of all, if I failed the exam (baccalaureate) I would continue this skill; however, I have passed so far. Nonetheless, my family said whether I pass the exam or not, I had to quit schooling because my family is worried about my safety moving away from my home in Prek Rai to Phnom Penh. As usual, going to Phnom Penh to study demands me to cover everything such as paying for the rent of a room and food because I don t have any relatives who live in the city to depend on for the duration of 4 years of study. However, I came to the city because there are some available classes I can attend at the university. Likewise, I would take advantages of working in the garment factory to support my study. Channa said. CSC: After coming to the city to attend the university, what major did you take? And how was the situation of living? 14

15 Sin Channa: I won a half-scholarship. I took Banking and Finance as my major. For the first year, I sew in the afternoon, and I studied in the morning. In addition I was able to sew as a part-time job at people s houses to make extra income. CSC: How much did you make from sewing? And was it enough to pay for everything as you were a student? Sin Channa: I could make $2 from sewing. I didn t have to bring any sewing tools with me, what I had to do was just come and work. This could help 50% of my daily expenditure. Without this skill, therefore, I think I could not have continued studying at University because my living situation would have been really difficult as my family doesn t have enough money to support me. CSC: Currently after graduating from university, will you keep on working on this career of sewing? Sin Channa: Well, when I was in year 2 at university I found a job at a local organization, and then I stopped sewing for a while. However, later on that organization had no funds and I had to quit. Thus, I am looking for another job now. Currently, I am working in a garment shop and earning very little money just enough for my basic needs. CSC: Will you better your sewing profession in the future? Sin Channa: I am thinking of opening a dressmaking shop. But, I have to save up money first to do so. CSC: Would you leave any message to the young generation? Sin Channa: I think that the adults, especially women who are just like me should have their own skills in order to fundamentally go on and find job in the up-coming days. Nowadays, gender is getting more and more important. After getting married, a woman is able to help her husband and have a better family living situation, and she enthusiastically shows everyone and the whole society her pride. I can say the first step to my correct situation was the belief in my-self that I could do better in my life. Without the sewing course, the interaction with fellow sewing students and the motivation to always develop myself I would not have progressed this far in my life. However the dream is not fully materialized, there are always new dreams and old ones that are not fully accomplished. Summary of the changes in the lives of participants and communes Literacy/Pre Education: Young illiterate people are motivated to come for the education program Older illiterate people dare to admit they are illiterate Impact of the 6 months training is they are more literate, some go back to school, some go for training Vocational Training: Participants have a skill for life With the Certificate of attendance & grade they receive at the end of the training they are more confident to approach employers They can earn income to support themselves and their families Some can open their own small business. Income Generation: The participants are more skilled They have experience of earning income and having mutual support in a group They know how to attract customers - they know how to find a market based on their expertise They have the capacity to respond to the styles required by customers Art: Young people have a greater appreciation of art and have the capacity to show this through artistic expression Increased participation by children from the nearby village 15

16 Children have produced works of art that have been on show in Europe & USA Kindergarten Teachers have received in-service training and up-grading 5 Artists from Wat Opot & the Community have been trained Pre School 477 Children have passed into the local public schools Parents in rural areas have come to value education for their children Children are being educated in Child Protection & Safeguarding Impacts on the Commune: Personal conditions of individuals and families have improved Communes have been strengthened & members motivated and encouraged to develop themselves More skilled members in the communes consequently family household income has the capacity to increase Personal pride, human dignity and sense of achievement is evident Value of education is being promoted by commune leadership, past students and families Illiteracy rate is reduced Violence, bad social habits (such as drinking alcohol) is reduced because people are educated to value education and have the capacity and interest to develop their lives. Domestic violence is reduced Greater knowledge and understanding of Child Protection & Abuse Older people in the commune are being trained because they see the value of the training for a better future from the younger ones. Conclusion On behalf of the Children and Adults in the many programs we wish to thank the Pupils, Parents, Shop Helpers, Teachers, Supporters and all those who have contributed to the Project in any way over the years especially we thank the Sisters of St. Ursula at St. Ursula s Gymnasium, Dorsten who have allowed and supported the growth of the project over the years. Partners in Compassion, Phnom Penh. 28 February