Neary Khmer works not only to improve the livelihood of the poorest villagers, but to provide them an education that gives them the tools and skills that they can use for a lifetime and to build a sustainable lifestyle.

Mothers with their Children - Lotus Foundation Growth Monitoring Program

 (Rice Bank in background)

Microfinancing

Village Loaning Systems and Rice Loaning Systems are established in villages to encourage sustainability and village growth.  Neary Khmer regularly checks up on village progress and book keeping, as well as training for Village Advisers (VA) and villagers on how the loaning system functions and how they can participate in the system. 

The two types of loaning systems that Neary Khmer implements is either through money loans or rice loans.  Neary Khmer’s fixed interest rate is at 1% per month, a drastic improvement from the village interest rate which is at 10% per month.  With a lower interest rate, villagers can invest their money in different venues, make some profit, and pay back their loans. 

In addition, the money or rice returned in the form of interest is divided among the loaning pool, the village administration, other possible contributors, and those with limited capabilities for making an income, such as orphans or the elderly. 

Here, is an example of how Kauk Daung Commune has decided to divide up their returned interest.  (Kauk Daung implements the rice bank system): 

Nutrition

Malnutrition in children is extremely high resulting in stunt, underweight, or waste.  The most likely cause of malnutrition in children is a lack of a proper nutritious food diet.  The majority of children under the age of 5yrs (in Siem Reap) suffer from malnutrition, making children more prone to diseases and illness (from the Food Security Atlas).  To address this problem, Neary Khmer educates mothers, who primarily make the meals for their families, about what is a healthy balanced diet and its importance.  By teaching mothers how to provide a nutritious meal for their children, these mothers will pass on their newfound knowledge to their children.  These children and future generations will then know why and how to provide a nutritious meal for their own children. 

Home Gardening & Farming

Water Quality & Sufficiency

Water-borne illnesses are the leading causes of death in Cambodia.  Natural water sources, such was rivers, lakes, or ponds, are used for multiple purposes, such as bathing, washing, cooking, and consuming. Additionally, sanitation conditions and habits are poor; only 11% of families in Siem Reap have a functioning toilet (Food Security Atlas).  However, bacteria can easily be filtered out of drinking water through simple water filters that Neary Khmer distributes to the poorest of families and to areas where water quality is very low.  The water filters are ceramic pots placed into plastic buckets.  These ceramic pots (made in Kampong Cham Province) filter out most bacteria, but are only last about 2 years.  Due to the number of people who need water filters and insufficient funds, this type of inexpensive filters are bought for the majority of Neary Khmer’s beneficiaries. 

Providing Water

When funding is available, Neary Khmer has financed hand-pump wells that can serve over six families.  These hand-pumped wells are dug in areas where there is little water, and are also used to help water home gardens.  In March 2009, Neary Khmer hired locals to dig an irrigation ditch for Dan Roun commune.  The ditch can be used to help grow and harvest the rice crops where the transplanting method is used.

HIV/AIDS Prevention

HIV/AIDS is a prevailing disease that has been spreading in Southeast Asia in the last decade.  As part of Neary Khmer program to work to address the health and lifestyles of villages, Neary Khmer also conducts HIV/AIDS prevention workshops throughout the village.  The workshops are very participatory, involving several small group discussions, each led by a member of Neary Khmer, as well as role playing exercises. 

Neary Khmer
nearykhmer.srp@gmail.com