Cambodia

The South East Asian country continues to address horrific legacies of past military rule and the Khmer Rouge wars. The Khmer Rouge traumatized Cambodia with genocide, violence, and authoritarian rule from the 1960s to the 1990s. At least 1.5 million Cambodians died from execution, forced hardships, or starvation.

The now reconciled country still feels the effects of a disabled agricultural system, lack of infrastructure, broken education, and general fear among the population. These realities are manifested in the lives of children orphaned by war, maimed by landmines, and lacking basic education and health services. The rural landscape of Cambodia is covered with rice paddies and the traditional forested regions have been mostly destroyed by farming and war, leaving the soil in poor condition. The area is prone to both drought and flooding.

But the legacy of war is not a full picture of Cambodia! In 2005 the eight communities of Anlong Veng boldly chose to partner with FH Canada. We are overjoyed to say they went the distance and achieved graduation from FH programming in 2015! Two new regions in the north encompassing 20 communities are now partnered with FH and will be graduating between 2023-2026.

For Cambodian communities to overcome their unique challenges, they need the chance to develop holistically through agriculture recovery, health and education resource development, community cooperation and capacity building and, most importantly, a brighter future secured for their children. And it turns out, Cambodians are a courageous people. As FH Cambodia staff patiently walk with community leaders trust is growing, and so is hope. New farming techniques are being employed, kids clubs nurture children, youth Savings Groups inspire confidence and concrete hope for teens, fathers are regaining presence in their families, and women are rising as strong leaders to support their communities. Change is happening!

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN CAMBODIA