Kampong Cham Programme Unit
Siem Reap Province
Area: 10,299 sq. km
Population: 896,443
Targeted districts and communes: 4 of 12 districts, 23 of 100 communes
Sponsored children: 9,177
Located in the northern part of Cambodia, Siem Reap is home to more than 50 significant ancient temples – but tourism hasn’t pulled it out of the group of poorest provinces. More than 75% of its inhabitants are rain-dependent rice farmers and more than half of its people live on less than half a US dollar per day (2004).
Siem Reap was the first programme unit established by Plan in Cambodia. In partnership with the local authority and other counterparts since 2002, Plan’s activities to help poor children access their rights have been well acknowledged and supported by the authorities at all levels.
Programme highlights
Early childhood care and development
Plan offers pre-school classes to prepare small children for primary school. One component provides parents training in basic health care, sanitation and nutrition for children.
Quality education for every child
We continue to build schools and teaching capacity so that all children can enjoy their right to an education. Teacher shortages have been addressed by recruiting and training community teachers.
Community health action
We build the capacity of public health centre workers, traditional birth attendants and health volunteers. Pregnant women receive antenatal care sessions, and young people aged 10 to 24 receive information on sexual and reproductive health, sexually-transmitted infections, nutrition and substance abuse.
Protecting children
The child protection network helps to prevent and respond to child abuse cases. Comprising community leaders, teachers, parents, youth groups and Plan staff, the network alerts villagers to different forms of child abuse, identifies potential child abusers and educates the community in legal reporting procedures.
Building a better life
We introduce improved varieties of rice, new technologies and techniques in drought-prone areas to help farmers double their rice yields. Also, Plan provides vocational training for youths from the poorest families. More than 90% of those trained now have jobs paying good salaries and can support their families.
Water and sanitation
Plan Cambodia is helping communities reduce the high incidence of disease and is raising hygiene-awareness among government and local authorities, as well as households. We work to increase the use of household latrines and reinforce personal hygiene practices. Our wells with child-friendly pumps bring safe drinking water close to homes and schools.
