Kamonohashi Project

Kamonohashi Project is an international NGO based in Japan and Cambodia with its mission to eradicate child sex trafficking in the world. We started activities in 2002 and have stationed in Cambodia since 2004 in working with vulnerable people and the government.

Welcome to visit Community Factory

For those who visit Beng mealea
For those who want to see the different aspect of Cambodia(real Cambodian life)
For those who are interested in NGO and poverty

Why don't you drop by our factory !?

Kamo’s Formerly Staffs In Phnom Penh Office: Staff’s introduction

Our NGO operates in two locations in Cambodia: in the capital Phnom Penh and in a village in Sout Nikom District in Siem Reap Province.

Our Phnom Penh Office is the administrative center and liaison office of Kamonohashi Project, in charge of accounting, human resources, sales & marketing, business development and IT services. Our address is: 63A, Street 456, Toul Tum Poung, Chamkarmorn, Phnom Penh city. All our staff members are Cambodian nationals and consist of 4 office workers, 3 security guards, and a cleaner. They are all dedicated workers who share the same values and commitment to “helping create a world in which all children can have hope for a better future”.

Kamo Phnom Penh Office’s Voice

PROM RITHY, Daytime Security Guard

Married with 4 children.

I completed junior high school in 1975, which was the first of 4 years of tragedy for Cambodia.
I joined Kamo in October 2004 and am working as daytime security guard, from Monday to Friday.
I truly feel fortunate to be working with such an international organization dedicated to helping Cambodia’ poor people and children, and I feel most thankful to Kamo for giving me the chance to become a member of their team. I wish Kamo to expand even further in order to help even more children in the years to come.

SIM SOKUNTEVY, Project Coordinator

Married with 2 children, PinkPink and Luckylux.

I graduated from Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) in 2004, with a major in Computer Science and Engineering.

I have been working for Kamo since Oct 2004, taking more responsibilities year after year. I started as a Computer Instructor and took on new duties, first as Project Instructor and now as Project Coordinator.

I am so proud to play an active role in Kamo’s mission to protect vulnerable children in Cambodia, especially young girls in rural areas, by providing them with education and job opportunities in their own community instead of having to leave home to find employment in the city where they are the most at risk.

KUN TOL, Nighttime Security Guard

Married.

I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Accounting in 1999.

I am working daytime as an office assistant in Ministry of National Defense, and as the nighttime security guard at Kamo since October 2004.

I am proud to take part in Kamo’s efforts to eradicate child trafficking and sexual exploitation in my country.

I am happy to be part of a team that teaches computer skills to children from orphanages and shelters here in Phnom Penh as well as vocational training in handicrafts manufacturing in a village in Siem Reap province.

CHUON SOPHEAK, Weekend Security Guard

Single

I graduated in 1999 from Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE) with a major in Business Management.

On week days, I am working as Planning Officer in the Logistics Department of the Commander in Chief of the RCAF, and as Kamo’s security guard on the week-end.

I joined Kamo’s team in May 2005. I admire this NGO for working so tirelessly to provide sewing and weaving skills to Cambodia’s vulnerable young girls, and to develop markets for their handicraft products. On a more personal note, I feel much grateful to Kamo for giving me the financial support to continue my studies. I want to contribute to their efforts to the best of my ability.

I am looking forward to Kamo’s expansion in the years to come, and also to an increased appreciation abroad of Cambodia’s beautiful crafts.

PROM CHANNEAR, Office Cleaner

Single.

I left public school at 14 years old and have been working for Kamo since April 2005.

I find Kamo’s dedication to help vulnerable children of my country acquire valuable skills and job opportunities most admirable. The staff is extremely motivated and I wish them success in their generous enterprise.

HUTH SOPHEAK (Ratha), Accounts Executive

Married, with a son, Titi.

I graduated from the Banana Center private school with a diploma in Business Accounting, followed by a bachelor’s degree from Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE) in 2003 and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Vanda Institute in 2006.

I started working with Kamo in August 2007 as the Accounts Executive. I really appreciate the joint efforts by Kamo’s teams in Japan and Cambodia to eradicate child prostitution in my country, by giving vocational training and jobs for young girls and women in small villages, in order to help them secure a stable income and protect them from the dangers of human trafficking.

MOM SOKOLTHIDA, Sales / Office Assistant

Single.

I graduated from University of Cambodia (UC) in 2008, with a major in Business Administration (BA) in English.

I have been working for Kamo since January 2009. I am very enthusiast about Kamo’s fight against Cambodia’s enduring poverty, which victimizes children and young girls in rural areas. I am very proud of the generous help they provide to my country.

KHIEV CHANSATH, Sales / Office Assistant

Married.

I graduated from Panasastra University of Cambodia (PUC) with a major in International Relations in 2009.

I started working with Kamo at the end of August 2009. I feel deeply grateful for all the help Kamo is providing to the Cambodian people, especially to girls living in remote villages. It is truly inspiring and I very much want to contribute to their efforts through my work.

Graduation tour to Kulen Mountain

After 70 days of hard training, our 28 trainees, their 3 trainers, 5 Kamo’s staff members and 8 supporters from Japan went together on a day tour to Kulen Mountain. The trip was organized on November 3rd, 2009, to celebrate their graduation, encourage them and keep them highly motivated to continue to do their utmost to lift themselves out of poverty.

Kulen, located 60 km from Siem Reap city, is the most sacred place for the Cambodians, who go on pilgrimage to the mountain year round. There is a series of tiered waterfalls where people enjoy bathing. The sanctuary at the summit houses a giant 17-m long reclining Buddha and offers spectacular views across the surrounding forests.

The trip took longer than anticipated due to the rain, which also slowed the climbing to the top. Nevertheless, all had a wonderful time together.

Departure from the Community Factory Project Center

Having a nice lunch at the top of Kulen Mountain

Enjoying Kulen Mountain’s wonderful sights

A joyful group photo session after dinner

Trainee house was devastated by Typhoon Ketsana

Ms. Prorn Lek is one of our trainees at the CF. Her house is located in Chhrey village, in Siem Reap province’s Kchass Commune, South Nikom District.

Typhoon Ketsana slammed into the province with devastating force on Wednesday September 30, 2009, destroying her house, downing trees and leaving many villagers injured, including her nephew.

On the following day, a Red Cross officer came to survey the damage and help those left homeless.

Prorn Lek and Sovan, CF's Production Manager

Prorn Lek neighbor

Tree on the road

Local Red Cross Officer

How to make a reed-weaving loom

Interview
Mr. Khut Chork
Reed-weaving loom maker
Prek Taoung I village, Kandal Province

Reed-weaving loom has been used since very early times in Cambodia to weave reed (KAK in Khmer language) for mats.

Mr. Khut Chork

Mr. Khut Chork was born in 1948 in Kandal Province’s Prek Taoung I village, Peam Oknhaoung commune, Lvea erm district. He married in 1976 during the Pol Pot regime and has been living in his birth village since 1980 with his wife, Sraing Thork, and their five children, three daughters and two sons.

At 18 years old, he started learning by himself how to make reed-weaving looms, by using existing looms and tools he collected from older loom makers. He soon started producing looms, as well as reed mats. He later concentrated on making looms only, which is his main job, which he supplements with other works as construction worker and carpenter.

Kamo's CF Project: Trainers introduction

In addition to its local head office in Phnom Penh, Kamonohashi is also operating in two locations in Siem Reap Province’s Sout Nikom District, a one-hour drive from the famous temple of Angkor Wat:

- Kamo’s Siem Reap office, located in DomDek Leo village, DomDek Commune, which has 6 staff members, 2 security guards and one cleaner.

- Kamo’s Community Factory, located in Kchass village, Kchass Commune, about 10 kilometers away from our Siem Reap office.

Today, we would like to introduce the 4 trainers of our Community Factory (CF).

SOUT SOPHAN, married.
Sewing trainer

I took a technical vocational training in the sewing section at the National Training Board (PTC) in Siem Reap in 2005.

I have been working at Kamo’s CF as a sewing trainer since February 2008.

I am convinced that the CF’s enterprise is a most effective way to help the poorest families in Cambodia’s villages, by providing practical working skills, jobs, education and a stable income. The villagers realize very soon the chance being given to them to get on their feet and become able to help themselves and their family. I am very happy to support Kamo and the trainees to the best of my ability. And I would like to express my deepest thanks to all our Japanese supporters helping us so generously.

CHI PHEN, single.
Hand weaving trainer

I am the 7th child in a family of farmers.

I studied at Tlath primary school and have been working at Kamo’s CF since August 2008.

I am a trainer in hand weaving. My main duty is to teach the trainees how to work with palm leaves, in order to create hand-woven palm leaf ornaments and small boxes (SMOCK in the Khmer language). I also teach how to dye palm leaves.

I’m very happy to be involved in this project, which is helping Cambodian poor girls to get a job and a much-needed income. I’m most grateful to all the Japanese people who support people like me so generously.

VOEUK HOIN, married with 2 children.
Hand weaving trainer

I studied until grade 1 in primary school only, because my family of farmers couldn’t afford to let me continue my education.

I had to work on rice fields and at the family farm, but whenever I had a little time, I tried to learn palm leaf crafts techniques from the villagers.

I started working at Kamo’s CF in July 2008 as a trainer in hand weaving, teaching the trainees how to weave various materials such as palm leaves to create boxes, and water hyacinth (KOMPLOUK in the Khmer language) used to make bags and shoes.

I’m very happy to work with Kamo because this project helps Cambodian young girls to get work, knowledge and income to support their family. I would like to say thanks to all our generous donors and supporters.