During the genocide of the “killing fields” from 1975 – 1979 approximately one in five Cambodians lost their lives. This and the subsequent civil wars left Cambodia not only destitute, but also lacking the intellectual resources and knowledge accumulated over centuries and passed down from generation to generation. Relief efforts led by the United Nations have worked successfully to pave the way for the effective investment of resources for development.
International NGOs are leaving. Cambodia is stable. What is built now can be sustained and will grow. Cambodians now have the safety necessary to envision a future. The country is moving from relief to development. Resources invested now have an immediate high value impact and will have lasting value for future generations.
There is much to be done. According to information provided by the United States government:
“The major economic challenge for Cambodia over the next decade will be fashioning an economic environment in which the private sector can create enough jobs to handle Cambodia’s demographic imbalance. More than 50% of the population is less than 25 years old. The population lacks education and productive skills, particularly in the poverty-ridden countryside, which suffers from an almost total lack of basic infrastructure.”
- At least 1.7 million Cambodians died from execution, forced hardships, or starvation during the Khmer Rouge regime under Pol Pot. Prior to the Khmer Rouge regime, Cambodia was a net exporter of rice. Now it can barely feed its people.
- Of countries followed by United States Agencies, Cambodia ranks 167 of 175 in education spending and 178 of 222 in life expectancy, GDP per capita ranks 187 of 228 countries.
- 20% of the population lives in urban areas. In rural areas a vast majority of people do not have access to potable water.
Community First has had a great impact on the lives of 1,379 villagers in just its first three years of operations in Cambodia while it was still learning its way and developing its programs. It has developed relationships, an infrastructure, and a plan based on the needs of the villages. All of this was done by people much like you – individuals who saw a need and decided to do what they could to help.
In order to move forward, we now need to expand our base of supporters. We need you to help by donating and raising awareness of not only the need, but also the opportunities that exist in rural Cambodia. Please consider underwriting a program or making an unrestricted donation. Follow our successes by becoming a Fan of our Facebook Page and forward a link to our website to friends who may be interested in our work. It is truly by working together, each doing what we are able to, that each one of us can effect change and make a difference in the world.
