CRS Work in Cambodia
The Cambodian people continue to struggle with poverty and the profound human, social, and economic effects of prolonged conflict and isolation. Simultaneously a new crisis—HIV and AIDS—needs to be confronted.
CRS is implementing initiatives to help Cambodians take their development into their own hands. These initiatives include: training; capacity building; strengthening civil society; advocating and educating for a culture of peace; contributing to the process of national reconciliation; building capacity to confront the HIV and AIDS crisis; and creating opportunities for Cambodians to realize expressions of solidarity with the poor and marginalized in their communities.
Cambodian fishermen
CRS, along with local partners, has developed community-based programs to enhance human dignity and alleviate poverty in the areas of health, HIV and AIDS, microfinance, sustainable agriculture, and peace building. Improving health, increasing incomes, and achieving food security for poor and vulnerable people are priorities.
Simultaneously, the underlying causes of poverty, inequity and injustice in Cambodia are addressed, by seeking to rebuild and strengthen local institutions and community structures to promote civil society. In these ways CRS aims to strengthen the capacity of Cambodians to meet the many challenges they face.
Some specific examples of our work include:
Peacebuilding Education
CRS supports Youth for Peace in a project focusing on youth, and aimed at building a culture of peace and justice.
Seedlings of Hope HIV and AIDS Project
CRS supports Maryknoll's Seedling of Hope HIV and AIDS project, providing care and support for poor, vulnerable, marginalized, and destitute people living with HIV and AIDS in and around Phnom Penh.
CRS Microfinance Project
The Rewards of Commitment: In June 2002, the CRS microfinance program became a locally-registered microfinance institution. Thaneakea Phum (Cambodia) Ltd. now has 10 branches in 9 provinces with over 31, 000 active clients.
