During the last 35 years, Cambodia has been plagued by civil wars and changes in political leadership. This has affected all areas of the country’s social and economic infrastructure, including that of the
banking industry.
Most Cambodian families live on a subsistence level. They lack the cash flow to meet their basic needs of healthcare, children's education and adequate food. In Cambodia, women are the head of one in four households. And they are usually responsible for at least two children.
Vulnerability in financial emergencies is a core aspect of poverty. These families are particularly at risk because the women have little or no formal education, and no land or productive assets.
Current estimates show that only 20-30% of the population have access to financial services. Our work in Cambodia is therefore critical.
We strive to provide first class financial services to some of the poorest communities in Cambodia. We are enthusiastic about our new initiatives and programmes which include:
• A mobile banking project.
• Additional scholarships to children of successful clients.
• Increasing impact and services to the most disadvantaged clients, e.g. HIV/AIDS, child labour families, the disabled and victims of natural disasters.
Aran Cheas was struggling to care for her family. Her son would regularly go without food and was often sick.
After a loan of just US$300, Aran was able to develop her livestock farm and reinvest her profits.
The new income has allowed her to provide tuition, food, and healthcare for her young son.
Using her new income, Aran can now afford tuition, food and healthcare for her young son.