Cambodian Volunteers for Community Development was established on the 25th of
December,1992, by a group of local Khmer students who at the time were studying
English behind the Royal Place. Mr. Peter Pond and his foster Khmer-American son,
Mr. Arn John Pond supported these local youth to establish an organization that
would educate and empower poor people whilst encouraging them to become
active volunteers in their communities. The youth named the organization
"Cambodian Volunteers for Community Development".
Initial funding for the start up of CVCD was received by generous individual
donors and the King of Cambodia who donated $ 2000 USD. King Prah Bath Norom
Sihanouk recognized and supported CVCD on the 22nd of September,1993, and CVCD
was registered with the Ministry of Interior on 17th of May in 1996. Over the
past 11 years, CVCD has been fortunate enough to be led by the following Executive
Directors:
| Mr. Chin Bun Thean | (1992 to 1993) |
| Mr. Phee Bun Thoeun | (1993 to 1994) |
| Mr. Sek Sophal | (1994 to 1998) |
| Mr. Sothea Arun | (1998 to 2003) |
| Mr. Doeur Sarath | (2003 – present) |
In 1995, CVCD received financial support from PACT to operate an English and
Computer Literacy Training Project. The reduction in foreign aid in Cambodia in
1998 meant that some local and international NGOs postponed or closed their doors.
CVCD was able to stay in operation due to the dedication of its volunteers and
staff members.
In 1998, with only $500USD in funds, Mr. Sothea Arun and staff worked together to
financially sustain CVCD. Without such strong commitment and solidarity by all,
CVCD would not be around today. Slowly over the next couple of years funds were
sent to CVCD and despite losing $20,000USD in a failed bank in 2000, CVCD has
enjoyed a more stable financial situation. Funding from the International
community has increased over the years allowing CVCD to expand projects to reach
more communities in Cambodia.
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