Cambodia

History Angkor Empire was the most Powerful Asian Empire from 800-1400 Colonised by France in 1800s but gained independence in 1953 Cambodia was caught up in Viet Nam war in 1960s/70s This led to a brutal regime called the Khmer Rouge inflicting a genocide on the country Cambodia was liberated by Viet Nam in 1979 The UN (UNTAC) ran Cambodia in the early 1990’s until elections in 1993.

Cambodia Today The Angkor empire is a major symbol of national heritage and pride Food, family and religion are all important parts of modern society It’s a fledgling democracy – the same party has been in power since 1993 The country’s economy has boomed through tourism, garment work, and natural resources It’s a very young population who are increasingly interested in using internet, smart phones and consuming global pop culture (Thai, Korean, Vietnamese and American)

Statistics 50% under 24 - 31% under 14 80% rural population (but 3% urban growth p.a) 17% of population below the poverty line High infant mortality (36th worst globally) 1-3 child deaths caused by under-nutrition 80% of people work informal economy (no regulation, poor safety conditions, low wages) 300,000-400,000 young people enter job market p.a Over 50% of Cambodia children have experienced some form of physical or sexual abuse Only 1 in 5 youth will complete high school 48-51 per 1000 birth – oz is 4

Cambodia - Current Issues Education quality Child Nutrition (under-nutrition) Child protection (abuse, exploitation, unsafe work) Youth unemployment Corruption and poor governance Environmental degradation and climate change

Cambodia – ChildFund Projects Education quality Child Nutrition Child protection Strengthening community/village level governance Livelihoods and improved farming Water and Sanitation

Cambodia – ChildFund Projects Livelihoods and enhanced farming

Cambodia – ChildFund Projects Water and Sanitation

Cambodia – ChildFund Projects Quality Education – old schools

Cambodia – ChildFund Projects Quality Education – new schools

Cambodia – ChildFund Projects Quality Education