Home About Us The Problem Projects Self Help Achievements Cambodia Gallery Support Us Contact Us Thank Yous	Thirty years of war, the flight of refugees, and the influx of returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), have taken their toll on the traditional extended family and community support system. During the past 30 years, Cambodia has witnessed an increase in the number of female-headed households, handicapped, elderly without family support, homeless, land-less people and unaccompanied minors. The breakdown of traditional family structures and consequent deterioration of basic family values, and the loss of sense of community has left many vulnerable individuals and families without support. Exacerbating the efforts at self-reliance is the ubiquitous presence of landmines and, in some cases, intractable land disputes. Click to enlarge These handicapped and otherwise vulnerable individuals want to help themselves. They want to break out of the cycle of poverty and handouts. "Lack of opportunities to improve the quality of life is one of the most significant causes for persistent poverty. Rural populations, for example, remain poor not because they lack of knowledge and skills in farming. What impoverishes them is their lack of control over their resources." Self-help. The principle that guides CVD social services work with this vulnerable population is that they can help themselves to meet their own needs. "Self-help is the best solution for the long run." Back     Home
Help and Hope to the Vulnerable Cambodian Vision in Development Battambang, Cambodia