Khemara (NGO)

Introduction

Founded in 1991, Khemara (Khmer: ខេមរា) is one of Cambodia's longest serving local non-governmental organisations (NGO). The organisation's mission is "to promote the capacity, confidence and wellbeing of communities through the sharing of information, education and counselling, including the encouragement of women and children to recognise their potential and rights to participate in decision making." Its head office is located in the capital city of Phnom Penh, however Khemara operates in seven of Cambodia's twenty five provinces.

Contents

• Introduction
• Childcare Centres
• Child Protection
• Justice for Children
• HIV Prevention
• Non formal Education Vocational Training
• Income Generation Capacity Building
• Get Involved
• References

Over the past 25 years, Khemara has developed a range of services to protect and empower women and children to improve the quality of their lives. All programs are based on a robust set of principles for identifying those most in need in the community and establishing a clear and concise implementation plan. Working directly with commune councils, commune councils for women and children and communities across a range of project areas, Khemara’s services include: provision of childcare centres, child protection, justice for children, HIV prevention, non-formal education & vocational training, public health services, and income generation & capacity building.

Khemara is recognised as a "child safe organisation" by the Cambodian government.

Childcare Centres

Khemara's childcare centres are in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4, The Cambodian government's Education Strategic Plan and National Policy on Early Childhood Care and Development. Our childcare centres provide protection, care and education to vulnerable children, enabling parents and caregivers to earn a living to support their families and improve their quality of life. "Over 600 children aged 3 – 6 years old are provided with free pre-school education in 14 childcare centres in the Phnom Penh region and Tbong Khmum Province, supported by teachers and volunteers. Every centre is dedicated to giving children the best start to their education. In a happy and caring environment, the children receive literacy and numeracy education in both Khmer and English, with educational games to enhance and develop social and cognitive skills." Balanced meals and health check-ups are integral to the running of our centres. This YouTube video shows a day in the life of a Khemara childcare centre.

Child Protection

"With such dire deprivation and poverty in Cambodia, it is vital we identify and assist orphans, vulnerable children and their families affected by HIV. Working with commune chiefs and the commune council for women and children (CCWC), we work to increase child rights awareness and commitment in communities, organise forums to discuss issues associated with HIV, child protection, and encourage education."

Justice for Children

"Justice for Children ensures children are aware of their rights, receive preventative support when vulnerable and appropriate protection, legal advice and support when in the justice system – whether in conflict with the law or are victims of crime."

HIV Prevention

Khemara's "HIV Prevention and Education project identifies people most at risk of contracting HIV and promotes awareness of STIs and other venereal and communicable diseases through outreach programs. By educating and working alongside the local ‘Key Affected Population’, predominantly Entertainment Workers (EW) including drug users, Men who have sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender groups (TG), we continue to successfully remove the stigma associated with HIV and other STIs within the local communities."

"It is also very important these vulnerable groups understand the various preventative measures at their disposal – be it the distribution of free condoms or simple classes on contraception and awareness. For our HIV Prevention and Education projects, Khemara works in the Preah Sihanouk Province and the urban Russey Keo district of Phnom Penh."

Non-formal Education & Vocational Training

Khemara's "non formal education initiative works to promote and provide non-formal education to women, including literacy classes and vocational training. The programs objective is to free vulnerable women from sexual exploitation and discrimination, and to create opportunities to seek an alternative income. Through basic training in numeracy, literacy and problem solving, our students have the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives. Our vocational skills training provides courses such as sewing, hairdressing and cooking."

Income Generation & Capacity Building

"The income generation and capacity building project is a partnership between Khemara Cambodia and Projects Abroad. It aims to promote local development by providing small, zero interest loans to members of the community interested in starting, or expanding their businesses. These beneficiaries are provided with ongoing training and guidance that helps serve them in their businesses and create a greater opportunities for success."

Get Involved

Every effort counts.

We help Cambodian women and children live in safety, where their hopes and aspirations can become realities rather than a lifetime of poverty and exclusion.

Together, we can create a better future for Cambodia’s women and children.

We want to give women a voice, and provide children with the tools to make the most of their lives. With your help, we can continue to improve the lives and future life chances of so many Cambodian families living in conditions of severe deprivation and poverty.

To learn more about Khemara's work, and to volunteer or partner, please visit this page: http://khemaracambodia.org/get-involved/

To donate, please go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Khemara-Cambodia

Thank you for you support.