http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/ Hand In Hand Cambodia is a nonprofit organization working to help the residents of Cambodian villages to create a sustainable quality of life. en Hand in Hand Cambodia Copyright 2010 2010-05-31T12:15:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/usd_40000_for_hand_in_hand_from_mr_c_liekens_belgium/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/usd_40000_for_hand_in_hand_from_mr_c_liekens_belgium/#When:12:15:00Z We honnor Mr. Carl Liekens in full. He is definitely our largest donor in our Hand in Hand project. For the third year in a row Mr. Liekens is willing to share with us a budget of usd 40,000 which will be used to support different activities in our 5 year sustainable development plan.  usd 40,000 for “Hand in Hand” from Mr. C. Liekens /Belgium. We honnor Mr. Carl Liekens in full. He is definitely our largest donor in our Hand in Hand project. For the third year in a row Mr. Liekens is willing to share with us a budget of usd 40,000 which will be used to support different activities in our 5 year sustainable development plan. • Irrigation projects/building ponds and wells. • Distributing water filters and building latrines. • Support training programs to our CADP (Community based Agricultural Development Association) • Support our animal pass-on program. • Running and strengthening our CLC (Community Learning Center). Helping people to let them help themselves and strengthening capacity will lead our villagers to a more independent and better life. Event news 2010-05-31T12:15:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/another_40000_for_hand_in_hand/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/another_40000_for_hand_in_hand/#When:12:19:01Z We greatly appreciate the continuing support Mr. C.L., a private donor in Belgium who is once again supporting our Hand in Hand project. His support in 2009 has allowed us to continue our work with a focus on the agricultural development towards food security in Chamcar Bei. Another $ 40,000 for Hand in Hand We greatly appreciate the continuing support Mr. C.L., a private donor in Belgium who is once again supporting our Hand in Hand project. His support in 2009 has allowed us to continue our work with a focus on the agricultural development towards food security in Chamcar Bei. This includes: • The digging of 2 ponds for fish raising in the Community Vocational Training Centre (CVTC); • The fixing of the dam in the CVTC to ensure water flow for irrigation; • Supporting 12 of the poorest families in the village to grow vegetables at the CVTC, through the provision of training, seeds and access to land; • The expansion of our animal pass-on programs with chickens, fish, pigs and cows, to a total of 16 families in the Cow Bank, 50 families in the Pig Pass-on Program, 30 families in the Fish Pass-on Program, and 10 families in the Chicken Pass-on Program; • The provision of a range of agricultural trainings to poor farmers in Chamcar Bei, with topics including vegetable growing, animal raising, and organic pesticides and compost. Event news 2010-05-30T12:19:01-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/running_and_cycling_enthusiasts_take_on_third_annual_kep_trio/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/running_and_cycling_enthusiasts_take_on_third_annual_kep_trio/#When:12:17:01Z For the third exciting year in a row, the sleepy town of Kep on the south coast of Cambodia found its streets buzzing with activity during the weekend of March 6 & 7th as people from over ten countries arrived to join the Third Annual Kep Trio. The event, which is organized by BABC and the Singapore based Trio team, hosted over 100 sporting enthusiasts and supporters who braved the intense sun and heat to take part in the 10k fun bike ride, 10k run and half marathon fundraising event. As the cyclists and runners made their way through parts of rural Kep, passing scenic paddy fields, pepper plantations and water reservoirs, villagers and volunteers provided encouragement (and water!) along the route. The destination of Chamcar Bei, home to 3,000 people and the Hand in Hand Cambodia project, provided a fitting finish line as participants got to see firsthand what the money they are raising is helping to achieve. The project, which is now in its fourth year, has seen significant achievements in formal and informal education, health, agricultural advancements, vocational skills and community organizing.  These achievements have been possible through partnership with Friends of the Rainbow Schools, Kep-based resort Knai Bang Chatt, and the generous contributions from Developing World Connections and participants of the annual Kep Trio. We are grateful to our sponsors, participants and volunteers for continuing to make this event a great success. A post-event reunion and fundraising party held on May 7th by Trio creator Nikki Wise was attended by many of the Singapore-based participants, who raised an additional US$3,200 for the community – bringing the total to more than US$20,000 this year. Please join us next year on February 19th & 20th for this enjoyable and worthwhile event!  For more details, click here. Event news 2010-05-30T12:17:01-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/registration_open_for_the_3rd_annual_kep_trio/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/registration_open_for_the_3rd_annual_kep_trio/#When:08:06:00Z What: Half Marathon, 10K Run & 10K Bike Ride When: March 6th & 7th, 2010 Where: Phnom Voar area of Kep, Cambodia BABSEA is once again excited to announce that we will be hosting the 3rd Annual Kep Trio fundraising and sporting event in the Phnom Voar area of Kep, Cambodia over the weekend of March 6th & 7th, 2010.  The event – a Half Marathon, 10K Run & 10K Bike Ride – was designed specifically to support the 5-year integrated community development project called Hand in Hand Cambodia. Previous events in 2008 and 2009 raised over US $100,000 in cash donations, delivered 130 new locally sourced bicycles for children to attend school in the community, and increased awareness amongst participants from all over the world about the ongoing struggle to emerge from poverty that continues to be pervasive throughout rural Cambodia. The 2010 Kep Trio will kick off on Saturday afternoon with the 10K bike ride, followed by the event dinner at luxury resort Knai Bang Chatt’s Sailing Club. The running portion of the event takes place bright and early on Sunday morning, with a staggered start for the half marathon and 10K runs. Participants from all events will run and/or ride from Kep through stunning rural Cambodian scenery to finish at the Chamcar Bei Community Learning Center on Saturday and Community Vocational Training Center on Sunday.  The fun-filled two day event concludes with a celebration and awards ceremony following the completion of the running events, where participants will be greeted by the villagers and see first-hand what the money they raise is helping to achieve.  Bike Event participants will also personally present their bicycles to selected village recipients.  Previous participants can advise – it’s an event not to be missed! Event Outline: 10K Bike Ride - Saturday March 6th, 2010 at 3:30pm Half Marathon – Sunday March 7th, 2010 at 6:00am 10K Run / Fast Walk – Sunday March 7th, 2010 at 6:45am Registration Fees: Registration fee (runners): US $50 This non-refundable registration fee will cover airport bus transfer to Kep, local transfers to event, event t-shirt and Event Dinner. Registration fee (local Cambodian runners): US $5 The non-refundable fee will cover event t-shirt and Event Dinner (bus transfer to Kep and local transfers not included). Registration fee (all bike riders): US $75 This non-refundable registration fee will cover the bike purchase, airport bus transfer to Kep, local transfers to event, event t-shirt and Event Dinner. Registration fee for one running event and bike event combo: US $100 This non-refundable registration fee will cover the bike purchase, airport bus transfer to Kep, local transfers to event, event t-shirts and Event Dinner. Fundraising Donation: $200 (suggested) As this is created to be a fundraising event for the Community Development Project, each participant is asked to raise a suggested minimum donation of US $200. We realize that some people, especially local participants, may have a difficult time raising this amount. Others will be able to raise much more. We ask that you make the maximum donation you are able to, within your means and within the means of those willing to sponsor you. You will have the option to make the suggested donation at the same time as you pay the registration fee. Alternatively, you can download a pledge form and get your friends, family and employers to make pledges, which we will then follow up after you successfully complete the run and/or ride. Your sponsors can also log onto our website directly and make a donation on your behalf at any time. If you would like to participate in the event and you are ready to begin the registration process, click here. Event news 2010-01-25T08:06:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/usd40000_donation_for_hand_in_hand/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/usd40000_donation_for_hand_in_hand/#When:05:58:02Z Our biggest corporate donor HUBO promised to donate once more another USD 40,000 to support our 2010 program. We would like to thank Carl Liekens and the whole HUBO management for this huge donation.  Event news 2009-08-17T05:58:02-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/another_birthday_party_usd1650_for_hand_in_hand/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/another_birthday_party_usd1650_for_hand_in_hand/#When:11:37:00Z Dear friends, Jef Moons, the founder of our “Hand in Hand” project organized a private party for his 47th birthday.  All his friends in Cambodia had a smashing time on the beach and donated in total USD 1,650.  This money will go directly and 100% to the project. Event news 2009-06-15T11:37:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/members_of_the_royal_palace_of_cambodia_are_supporting_officially_our_hand_/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/members_of_the_royal_palace_of_cambodia_are_supporting_officially_our_hand_/#When:11:02:03Z Dear Friends, we are delighted that 2 members of the Royal Palace of Cambodia visited our “Hand in Hand” program last month.  His Royal highness Prince Thomico Sisowath , advisor to his Majesty the King Norodom Sihamoni and Her Royal Highness Princess Sylvia Sisowath, Secretary of State of the Royal Palace were very pleasantly surprised about all the good results we obtained in our 5 year community development program.  Both are delighted to mention that they officially support our “Hand In Hand” program and they confirm they will do the utmost to help our 2500 villagers. Project news, General 2009-06-15T11:02:03-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/2008_annual_project_report_and_2009_annual_plan_online/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/2008_annual_project_report_and_2009_annual_plan_online/#When:23:25:00Z As we move into our third year of implementation, the Hand in Hand project is on track to achieve its aims of improving the education, health and livelihoods of village families, while establishing sustainable, community-based structures to carry on the development activities after the project phases out. A full annual report on the project’s accomplishments in 2008 and our plan of operation 2009 can be found in our reports section. Project news, General 2009-03-03T23:25:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/sarah_dobbe_committed_as_new_project_manager/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/sarah_dobbe_committed_as_new_project_manager/#When:23:21:00Z We had some difficulties with staffing in 2008, particularly at the management level, and this was indeed a hindrance to the project. Nevertheless, most of the planned outputs were still achieved, and more importantly, the staffing issues have now been resolved and the project team is fully in place. We are pleased to have recruited a qualified and committed new project manager, Sarah Dobbe, a Dutch expatriate with ample experience who has graciously agreed to work within our local salary scale. She has “hit the ground running” and we are confident that the project will advance rapidly in 2009 under her leadership, which is a crucial year to lay the groundwork for our planned scale-back in 2010-2011, as the CBOs are empowered to take over management of many of the project activities. Project news, General 2009-02-26T23:21:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/second_annual_kep_trio_half_marathon_10k_run_10k_bike_ride/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/second_annual_kep_trio_half_marathon_10k_run_10k_bike_ride/#When:20:05:00Z We’re excited to announce that the Second Annual Kep Trio – Half Marathon, 10K Run & 10K Bike Ride will be held over the weekend of Saturday February 28th and Sunday March 1st. The Kep Trio is a unique fundraising event, created by running enthusiast and former BABSEA volunteer Nikki Wise, designed specifically to support the 5-year integrated community development project called Hand in Hand Cambodia. Held in January 2008, the First Annual Kep Trip Event was an amazing success with over 80 participants generating $54,000 in cash donations and delivering 50 new locally sourced bicycles to the community. Kep Trio 2009 will kick off on Saturday afternoon with the 10K bike ride, followed by a festive dinner at luxury resort Knai Bang Chatt’s Sailing Club. The running portion of the event continues bright and early on Sunday morning, with a staggered start for the half marathon and 10K runs. Participants from all events will run and/or ride from Kep town along the seaside and through stunning rural Cambodian scenery to finish at the Chamcar Bei Community Learning Center, where they will be greeted by the villagers and see first hand what the money they raised is helping to achieve. The fun-filled two day event concludes with a village celebration on Sunday afternoon with an awards ceremony and entertainment by local dance groups. Bike Event participants will also get to personally present their bicycles to a selected village recipient. An event not to be missed! Event Outline - 10K Bike Ride - Saturday February 28th, 2009 at 3:30pm - Half Marathon – Sunday March 1st, 2009 at 6:00am - 10K Run / Fast Walk – Sunday March 1st, 2009 at 6:45am Registration is US$5 for local Cambodians and US$50 for foreigners. The registration fee covers participation in the event, a 2nd Annual Kep Trio t-shirt or singlet, and the Pasta Dinner at The Sailing Club on Saturday night. For the 10K Bike Ride participants, the registration fee also covers the bicycle that will be donated to the community after the race. As this is a fundraising event, we would like to encourage all participants to raise as many charitable donations as possible and suggest a minimum donation of US$200. If you would like to participate in the event, click here to begin the registration process at the BABSEA website. Event news 2009-02-08T20:05:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/3th_quarterly_project_report_2008_online/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/3th_quarterly_project_report_2008_online/#When:14:32:01Z Bridges Across Borders Country Director David Pred submitted the third quarterly project evaluation report to Friends of the Rainbow Schools on October 14, 2008. During the period of July to September 2008, the project again has been progressing well towards achieving its goal and objectives. The complete report is available for reading in our Reports section. Project news, General 2008-10-31T14:32:01-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/2007_annual_project_report_and_2008_annual_plan_online/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/2007_annual_project_report_and_2008_annual_plan_online/#When:21:05:00Z Bridges Across Borders began implementing the Hand in Hand project in February 2007. During the past year, we have made numerous advancements toward our objectives. The major achievements of 2007 as well as our plans for 2008 can be found in the 2007 Annual Project Report and 2008 Annual Plan or in the sections about our primary objectives. The four primary objectives of the Hand in Hand project, which were determined by community participants during the planning workshops, are: Livelihoods improved: Create opportunities for village families to improve their living conditions through the establishment of cooperative and family micro-enterprises, community food security and natural resource conservation initiatives. Education situation improved: Increase school attendance, particularly for girls; improve the quality of public school services; and establish a Community Learning Center and Demonstration Farm to provide adult vocational, agricultural and literacy training, and supplementary “after school” youth education. Health situation improved: Provide required resources to the local public health centers and support community-managed primary and preventative health interventions that will bring about a general improvement in the health of village residents. Sustainability ensured: Establish a strong, democratic community-based organization (CBO) with the capacity to plan, implement and monitor the development activities that are supported by the project. The CBO should continue to operate long after the project phases out, and it will serve as a community organizing model for neighboring communities. Project news, General 2008-05-12T21:05:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/3_h_grant_for_chamcar_bei/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/3_h_grant_for_chamcar_bei/#When:10:25:00Z After a successful Matching Grant we now submitted a 3-H project, hand in hand with Rotary. Our Rotary 3-H project proposal has been registered. Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) grants are awarded to fund large long-term international self-help and grassroots development projects that use an integrative approach to address humanitarian needs.  Friends of the Rainbow Schools and our operational partner Bridges Across Borders now submitted a larger proposal to help the people in Chamcar Bei and the surrounding villages.  Our request has been assigned the file number, 3H Grant Proposal #67026. Project news, General 2008-04-25T10:25:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/the_province_of_west_flanders_belgium_donates_a_school_building_for_chamcar/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/the_province_of_west_flanders_belgium_donates_a_school_building_for_chamcar/#When:12:04:00Z The province of West Flanders, Belgium is giving us a subsidy of 12.500 Euro to build a school for Chamcar Bei. This money was raised thanks to the effort of Roos Delobel and Banteay Mean Chey vzw.  We hope to built the school this year. Project news, Education situation improved 2008-03-16T12:04:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/wereld_missiehulp_recognizes_and_support_hand_in_hand/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/wereld_missiehulp_recognizes_and_support_hand_in_hand/#When:07:59:01Z On March14 the direction committee of Wereld-Missiehulp (WMH) decided to recognize and support our project. For all goods and materials that we ship to Cambodia, WMH will contribute up to 250 euro’s for each shipment. Project news, General 2008-03-16T07:59:01-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/half_marathon_for_chamkar_bei_january_26_27_2008/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/half_marathon_for_chamkar_bei_january_26_27_2008/#When:04:26:00Z Nikki Wise of Singapore and our operational partners B.A.B. organized our first Hand in Hand “half Marathon” & “Fun Bike Ride” in Kep, We raised $50,000 for our integrated community project There were more than 80 participants from 10 different countries who took part in the Half marathon, the 10K run and Fun Bike Ride. The money they help raised will go directly toward sustainable initiatives in health, education and livelihoods in Chamcar Bei village of Kep.  We never expected it to be such a huge success.  This event was supported by the Governor of Kep (Kampot Province) and he wants us to organize a full marathon next year. Event news 2008-02-13T04:26:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/sponsoring_of_costs_by_axel_vervoordt_benefit_evening_13_september_2007/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/sponsoring_of_costs_by_axel_vervoordt_benefit_evening_13_september_2007/#When:15:50:00Z Friends of the Rainbow School is thankful to the family Axel Vervoordt for sponsoring the food and beverages costs during our benefit evening of 13 September last.  This sponsorship totals 3.560 €.  This way tot total benefit can go directly to our project in Chamcar bei / Cambodia. Event news 2007-10-15T15:50:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/a_special_note_from_her_excellency_mrs_sun_saphoeun_cambodian_ambassador_in/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/a_special_note_from_her_excellency_mrs_sun_saphoeun_cambodian_ambassador_in/#When:22:09:00Z Bruxelles, le 19 septembre 2007 Cher Monsieur Jef Moons, Au nom de L’Ambassade Royale du Cambodge, je vous remercie pour le vif intérêt et le respect que vous portez au Cambodge et vous manifeste sa haute appréciation et ma profonde reconnaissance pour vos précieuses actions humanitaires au Cambodge en assistant les familles les plus démunies à Chamka Bei Village. Grâçe à vos démarches et votre présence sur place à Krong Kep, vous apportez le soutien aux habitants du village et vous leur rendez leur sourire et leur espoir. L’Ambassade vous assure de son plein support pour le projet, nécessaire et très utile, particulièrement pour les enfants. Je saisis cette occasion pour vous renouveler l’assurance de ma meilleure considération. SUN Saphoeun Project news, General 2007-09-27T22:09:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/7500_on_annual_basis_for_chamcar_bei_5_year_long/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/7500_on_annual_basis_for_chamcar_bei_5_year_long/#When:11:30:00Z 7500 Euro on annual bases for Chamcar Bei (for a period of 5 years) We have the pleasure of announcing the support of a prominent Belgian family (who requested to remain anonymous) to the project “Hand in Hand for Cambodia”. The family council has decided to donate 7.500 € each year for 5 years, provided this project expands and grows efficiently and correctly. As chairman of Friends of the Rainbow Schools I would like to thank the family for the confidence and contribution to our project, and would like to take this opportunity to confirm our dedication and conviction to handle all aspects of this project in an efficient, sound and honorable manner. Event news 2007-09-27T11:30:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/promo_film_for_hand_in_hand/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/promo_film_for_hand_in_hand/#When:12:21:01Z How to make a promotional film for our Project Hand in Hand? Check our latest movie on the website. Anton Van den Houte (Sony Pictures) has introduced us to Wim Tellier and Thomas Anthoni. Both are students at the Media School of Brussels and were happy to help us in making this short film. Over a few glasses of beer we discussed and talked about it, exchanged ideas and brainstormed. We ended up with formats and felt ready for this challenge. At that point we did not take into account that the local community is not made of actors but are in fact people in need, so the formats did not prove useful. Nonetheless we were able to capture the people as they go through every day life, facing their struggles and specific problems. The result was a video which really shows what can be done to help this community, so we accomplished our goal in the end. Thank you Thomas & Wim and your entire team (I think the music on the video is perfect !) Event news 2007-09-22T12:21:01-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/a_small_inheritance_for_cambodia_some_people_are_considering_it/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/a_small_inheritance_for_cambodia_some_people_are_considering_it/#When:12:16:01Z A small inheritance for Cambodia? Some people are considering it … This is what someone from Brussels told us: “We should carefully think about what will happen to our inheritance, the government is around the corner waiting to collect huge taxes till nothing is left.” Throughout life people share emotions and relationships, and these bands make our lives truly rich and precious. Why not expand this beyond the close family ties and share this wealth with people in need. A life here or in Cambodia is just as valuable. A nice philosophy on life from a lady who wishes to share, not only with her close relatives and family but also with our people in Chamcar Bei. (For all donations above 30 € we can provide a fiscal statement) Event news 2007-09-22T12:16:01-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/dentist_offices_for_cambodia/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/dentist_offices_for_cambodia/#When:12:15:00Z Dentist offices for Cambodia Mr Patrick Helderweirt, dentist and member of the Arendonk Rotary Club, had donated two fully equipped dentists’ offices. We will send these, both in a very good state and with a value of approx. 15.000 €, directly to His Excellency Mr. Hong Sunhout, Second Vice President of the National Assembly in Cambodia. He plans to have these units mounted on trucks so he can serve many villages in providing dental care.  Chamcar Bei will benefit form these donations. Project news, Health situation improved 2007-09-22T12:15:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/2nd_quarterly_project_report_online/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/2nd_quarterly_project_report_online/#When:08:28:00Z Bridges Across Borders Country Director David Pred submitted the second quarterly project evaluation report to Friends of the Rainbow Schools on July 11, 2007. During the period of April to June 2007, the project has been progressing well towards achieving its goal and objectives. Numerous accomplishments have been made during this implementation period, all of which are making an important contribution to realizing the project objectives. These include the continuation of English teaching, youth education, agricultural training, relationship building with the authorities and community, System of Rice Intensification (SRI) monitoring and expansion, self-help group activities, well construction, taskforce capacity building and food cultivation in the CLC.  The complete report is available for reading in our Reports section. Project news, General 2007-07-14T08:28:00-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/community_task_force_formed/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/community_task_force_formed/#When:20:18:01Z The Community Task Force was formed in mid-March.  It consists of 13 individuals, including six women, and is led by a female Community Task Force Coordinator who was elected by the other members.  The Task Force is made up of five sub-committees – agriculture, education, health, self-help groups and secretariat.  The thirteen Task Force members will serve during the first year as the community counterparts working with the project staff on the implementation of all project activities in their respective fields.  The Community Task Force can be seen as the first stage of CBO establishment.  In Year Two, the Task Force committees will merge together and the most committed and qualified members will be invited to form the CBO.  The CBO will then work as a partner with the project and in Year Three, it will take the lead in implementing the project. At the end of the quarter, BAB conducted a workshop on By-Law Formation and the Task Force produced draft by-laws, which are currently being reviewed by the project management.  Each Task Force committee holds regular meetings, normally facilitated by BAB project staff. A key objective for the Task Force is capacity building.  BAB staff will work to build the capacity of the Task Force committees by training them on administration, bookkeeping, proposal writing, project planning and management, monitoring and evaluation, and facilitation skills, as well as topics related to their specific field, such as agriculture, education or health.  In turn, the Task Force will share their knowledge and information to build the capacity of their fellow community residents.  In addition to the Community Task Force, whose role it is to steer the project activities, plans are currently underway for the establishment of other community-based groups, including a Farmer Producer Group, a Women’s Silk Cooperative, and at least one Self-Help Group consisting of some or all of the 55 families identified as the poorest of the poor in the village.  More groups are expected to be formed over the course of the first year, which will provide a cooperative response to community needs.  The formation of these groups will be led by the relevant Task Force committee, with the technical support of project staff. Project news, General 2007-04-26T20:18:01-06:00 http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/community_learning_center_clc_reopened/ http://www.handinhandcambodia.org/index.php?/en/newsarticle/community_learning_center_clc_reopened/#When:19:21:00Z It was a tedious process to obtain the necessary permission to use the existing CLC building for the project. The CLC in Phnom Voar was first established by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1998. In 2003 UNESCO handed the CLC over to the community management committee resulting in recent confusion over who actually oversaw the Center.  In early February, after consulting with various government departments and local authorities, the former CLC management committee under UNESCO signed a hand-over agreement for BAB to use the Center and all the equipment and tools left behind by UNESCO for the community development project in Chamcar Bei. This agreement was witnessed by the local authorities. The CLC will be the focal point for the community development process undertaken by the project.  The Community Task Forces and future Community-Based Organization will operate from the CLC, and the project will utilize the Center to conduct various educational and livelihood activities, including English language education, literacy classes, teacher training, computer training, agricultural training and demonstration, livestock raising, bee-raising, and vocational training. During this quarter, the land surrounding the CLC was cleared and a fence was constructed by community members and volunteers.  BAB enlisted a local contractor to remove the roots of the small trees and bushes that were growing on the Center land by using a bulldozer.  Unfortunately, the contractor failed to complete the job according to the contract, and BAB is currently pushing him to finish so that the grounds will be prepared for agriculture training planned for early May and demonstration farm planting in June.  The CLC is now functioning as a meeting place for the taskforces and has three classrooms ready to be used for Kindergarten and English classes, beginning April 23, 2007. At this time 40 pupils have enrolled for kindergarten, and 130 students have enrolled for English classes.  While BAB is impressed with the significant demand for children’s education exhibited by community parents, the enrollment numbers far exceeded BAB’s expectations and budget planning.  Moreover, many more parents are interested in sending their children to pre-school, but the Center is too far for many children to reach by foot and their parents do not own motorbikes.  Many of these parents have requested support for transportation.  Alternatively, BAB is considering a plan to build more small pre-schools in different locations throughout the village that are easily accessible to children living in those population centers Project news, General 2007-04-26T19:21:00-06:00