The volunteer project that I’ll be undertaking in Stung Treng is part of VSO’s secure livelihoods programme in Cambodia. It ensures people have the ability to become employed and where necessary will strive to provide them with alternative livelihoods in a range of different ways working with three different partner NGOs (Non-governmental organisations). Three partner organisations work with the VSO ICS programme in Stung Treng:
1. Paz y Desarollo (PyD)
2. Cambodia Rural Development Team (CRDT)
3. My Village (MVi)
Each organisation focuses on a different area. PyD focuses on women’s employment opportunities and overall equality working with local Community Based Organisations and the Women’s Development Centre to achieve this in the town and local villages. CRDT focuses on nutrition and alternative farming techniques, mainly working with local villages. MVi focus on the rights of indigenous peoples also working with local villages and in the main town area.
I will be working with one of these organisations for the duration of my time in Stung Treng; working within the focus of their organisational aims but also to achieve targets that fit within the secure livelihoods programme set by the ICS programme. Working toward targets such as; improving access to alternative employment and income opportunities for both women and youth, increasing the understanding of the local people surrounding topics such as nutrition and stabilisation of food security and enhancing local communities’ understanding of why the inclusion of youth women and indigenous peoples in work environments is important.
As I currently run a Social Enterprise for a domestic abuse charity that empowers women with skills and confidence; improving their employability and breaking the cycle of domestic abuse as a social problem – I’m personally excited about utilising my skills and experience working with PyD.
PyD Cambodia’s programme in gender:
“Improving opportunities for women in the economic field and promotion of women’s role in social and political spheres.’
PyD’s intervention aims at holistically improving the living conditions of women in the Northeast provinces of Cambodia, facilitating their access to social and political spheres, increasing their purchasing power, promoting the defence of Women’s Rights and gender equality and strengthening medical care in sexual and reproductive health.
Holly Vs Poverty in Cambodia 