CAMBOGIA (ENGLISH)

Context

Between 1998 and 2019, Cambodia experienced extraordinary economic growth, with an average annual rate of 7.7 per cent, driven mainly by garment exports and tourism. This rapid development has made it one of the most dynamic emerging economies in the world. Nevertheless, Cambodia remains 146th in the Human Development Index out of the 191 countries surveyed (UNDP, 2021). Specifically, 17.8 percent of people live below the poverty line (World Bank, 2022), the under-5 mortality rate is 25/1000 (UNICEF, 2021), and more than 20 percent of the population still lacks access to clean water sources (WHO, 2018). Finally, the country still carries deep scars of history: throughout the country there are still an estimated 4 million unexploded landmines, which cause a thousand accidents each year with often permanent consequences.

The need

There are an estimated 630,000 people with disabilities in Cambodia, more than half of whom are under the age of 20. Disability care in Cambodia is mostly entrusted to private associations and NGOs, both local and international. It has also been found that often in the approach to disability, the aspect of integration rather than real inclusion, both educational and social-work, of people with disabilities prevails.

There are no master's degree programs for the training of professionals who can work on disability such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, neuropsychomotricists etc., and it is estimated that, throughout the country, there are only 400 physical therapists, many of whom after training abroad prefer to remain there for better salaries.
There is currently one government body, the Disability Action Council, which is not particularly active and other local and international NGO coordination fora.

IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES OFFERED BY DAMNOK TOEK

Project financed by own funds and oblations
Local partner: Damnok Toek NGO
Location: Kep and Neak Loeung

Since January 2020, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi has been working in Cambodia in collaboration with local NGO Damnok Toek, which has been active for more than 20 years in the country in the field of child protection and with disability intake projects in two residential facilities, in the localities of Kep (young adults) and Neak Loeung (minors).

In 2024, the intervention will focus on the following areas:

• promoting the autonomy of people with intellectual disabilities through strengthening individualized development plans and seeking employment opportunities;
• overcoming communication barriers for people with intellectual disabilities through alternative communication tools;
• strengthening the program of involvement of families of children with disabilities through individualized support and creation of mutual aid groups

CONTINUOUS LEARNING FOR PEACE VILLAGE CENTER STAFF

Project financed by own funds and oblations
Local partner: Peace Village Centre
Location: Takeo

The Peace Village Centre, located in the Takeo area, less than 100 km from Phnom Penh, is a complex consisting of several areas including a rehabilitation center for children with disabilities, a Montessori kindergarten, a residential part for families with HIV, and a production factory (bags and textiles, soaps, coconut oil, lamps, and pots). The Center was established and continues to be supported by Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler and the Catholic Church.

During 2023 Foundation began its collaboration with the center through a training program and the short-term presence of a volunteer physical therapist. During 2024 the two institutions aim to sustain and strengthen their cooperation to improve the quality of services for children and adolescents with disabilities, and their families and communities served by the PVC.

Following a joint needs analysis, it was found necessary to help strengthen the PVC staff through the hiring of a local Senior Physiotherapist consultant (part-time) to improve the quality of the rehabilitation program. This resource will be able to provide ongoing professional training to improve the skills of local staff employed at the PVC, with remote supervision by FDCG staff.

PROMOTING THE EMPOWERMENT OF PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Project funded by own funds and oblations
Local partner: Rabbit School Organization (RSO)
Collaboration: Kampuchea Sela Handicap (KSH)
Location: Phnom Penh

Rabbit School Organization (RSO), a local Cambodian NGO, which began its activities in 1997 in Phnom Penh. It was founded with the mission to provide education to children with intellectual disabilities in Cambodia under the premise that “every child has the right to education,” as defined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. RSO provides adapted and inclusive education to children and young adults with intellectual disabilities aged 4 to 25 in Phnom Penh and Kandal, Kampong Speu and Siem Reap provinces.

In 2024, Foundation will support RSO in implementing a proposal that focuses on engaging parents of children and young adults with intellectual disabilities through two key actions:

1. parent training: Provide parents with appropriate training with respect to their child's disability and future opportunities for education, employment, and social inclusion;
2. advocacy training: Provide parents with advocacy skills to defend the rights of people with disabilities, including knowledge of current national and international regulations, and techniques and tools for self-representation.

The proposal will be implemented in collaboration with experts from another NGO dealing with intellectual disabilities namely Kampuchea Sela Handicap (KSH).