Cambodian Handicraft Association

for Landmine and Polio

Disabled ( CHA )

New Skills for a New Life

Made by Landmine and Polio Disabled in Cambodia

SELF HELP PROJECT

Statement of purpose:

As a result of a long term civil war, over 40,000 individuals have stepped on landmines giving Cambodia one of the highest percentages of disabled persons anywhere in the world.  Cambodian Handicraft Association seeks to assist Landmine and Polio Disabled reintegrate into society.  This assistance is in the form of a production workshops that prepare the disabled for future employment.

CHA, together with the District Social Action seek to assist disabled persons to integrate into society in a meaningful and dignified way.  This assistance is in the form of a skill training program and small business management.

Cambodian Handicraft Association builds the self-esteem of the disabled, and generates public awareness that the disabled are, in fact, able.

Methodology: Cambodian Handicraft Association began operating in 1997.  The primary objective is to provide employment opportunities for landmine and polio disabled by manufacturing high quality silk and leather goods.  These items include: Wallets, String Purses, Clutch Bags, Handbags, Silk Fabrics and Scarves, Cotton Scarves, Cards, Greeting Cards and Christmas Ornaments.

The artisans are selected from the graduates who completed the course at Skill Training Programs in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  They are capable of achieving-not just by making quality handicrafts, but by being actively involved in marketing, policy making and management.

Initial start-up funding was set up by Cambodian NGO staff in cooperation with the graduates.  Currently support is received from other donors in the county and abroad.  The plan is that the Cambodian Handicraft Association will eventually become self-supporting from its sales.

Primary Activities:  Cambodian Handicraft Association has recently opened tailoring and weaving workshops where graduates of the skill training program can hone their skills and learn more about the operations of a business.  A shop opens to the public displays many creative products made by the Landmine and Polio artisans.  This work allows the disabled to experience the confidence and satisfaction that comes from being a valuable participant in a successful enterprise.

Production Workshop:

Cambodian Handicraft Association is staffed by graduates of the Skill Training Programs for Landmine and Polio Disabled.  The participants spend additional 12 months improving their tailoring, weaving skills, and gaining additional management experience to run a small business.

CHA has three workshops, one is in Phnom Penh, and two others in Siem Reap Province. You can support our efforts by buying and ordering the products made by the Landmine and Polio artisans, knowing, that these products are of first rate quality.

CHA in Siem Reap:

Siem Reap Tailoring and Weaving Shop is located at Baray Tukvill Handicraft - Western Part of Siem Reap Town and Preah Dark shop - the road to Banteay Srci Temple and Kulen Mountian. The tailoring and weaving graduates from Wat Than Skill Training Program for Landmine and Polio Disabled in Phnom Penh have joined together to from a sewing and weaving cooperative producing quality Khmer Silk handicrafts and Leather items. Tour groups are welcome.

All profits from the purchase you have made at Siem Reap Tailoring and Weaving Shops will be shared by our Landmine and Polio Disabled artisans.

For further information

CHA Director: Mr. Hay Kim Tha

Production Manager at Tukvill Workshop:

  Ms. Srey Sophea

Workshop Coordinator at Preah Dark-CHA:

 Mr. Kim Kea

Assistant Director  in Phnom Penh:

 Ms. Heng Thai Ly

Workshop Coordinator  ;

Ms. Heng Leang Shreiv

Street Address of office and workshops:

In Siem Reap: Baray Tuk Vill Handicrafts, and Preah Dark, Banteay Srei;

Nortern Part of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

In Phnom Penh: House# 52,113st.Sangkat Boeung Keng Kang 3, Khan Chamcarmon,

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Office Hours:

Monday to Saturday at 7:30 am to 5:30pm.

Closed on Sunday and major public holidays.

 Mailing Address

Cambodian Handicraft Association for

Landmine and Polio Disabled (CHA)

House # 40, Road 160, Sangkat Teak Laok II, Khan Toul Kok,

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

   Fax/Telephone: (855)23.881.720,

(855) 12 913.861/12.916.796

Email: wthanchashop@bigpond.com.kh

Internet:

www.bigpond.com.kh/users/wthanchashop

   CHA products are available at:

Baray Tukvill Handicrafts, Preah Dark

Shop in Siem Reap and in Phnom Penh.

Cambodian Handicraft Association

SELF HELP PROJECT

Workshop Hours:

Open every day from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm