Cambodian Livelihood Angel Project - CLAP

CLAP aims to empower poor people to rise above their circumstances and create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. We seek to find, develop and offer pathways for income generation through micro-enterprising.

One project CAAP is looking at funding is a “Welcome Team Training” programme for young unemployed Cambodians. This course will cover the basics of how to be a guide, translator and chaperone for short-term visiting individuals or groups. The course will include training on:

• How to meet and greet visitors when they arrive in Cambodia
• Places to stay and places to eat
• Use of money and getting around town
• Dress code in Cambodia for foreigners
• NGOs - understanding how they work
• Information for visitors regarding customs, the markets, tourist sights, history etc
• Information on security for tourists
• Conversation with foreigners
• Cambodian and foreigner etiquette, etc

Khov’s Story:

Khov is a young Cambodian man from a family of ten in Kampong Cham province. He was accepted to veterinary school but has struggled to find enough money to live on and for school fees. He came to Phnom Penh and found accommodation at a local Wat (pagoda) and made a few dollars each week selling water outside the Palace. This earned him $1-$2 per day on weekends and holidays.

Khov was introduced to One-2-One through Mr Don Ferguson from NZ who had bought some water from Khov in front of the palace. Khov’s struggle to continue in his course and make enough money to live on was obvious. A group of One-2-One supporters in Christchurch, New Zealand, called the WELCOME group (headed by Dorothy Murphy and Angela Coppen) heard about Khov and decided to raise some money. This was given to the One-2-One Charitable Trust to purchase a second hand motor-bike, helmets, insurance, and a monthly allowance of $10USD for petrol.

The moto has been loaned to Khov, who can now earn a living as a part-time moto taxi driver. One-2-One has given him a hand up and not a hand out. Khov was the first recipient of our Cambodia Livelihood Angel Project. He also helps One-2-One by meeting overseas visitors and showing them around. Khov was able to attend the CAAP courses including computing skills, first aid and basic accounting. These opportunities are helping Kouv to create a better future for himself and his family.