To address the employment needs of people with disabilities in rural Cambodia, Clearpath International and CVCD developed a community based Vocational Skills Training Program for those directly or indirectly affected by landmines or UXO. The centre was opened in May 2002 and is located in Stoeung Trueng, Kampong Cham province.

Since the beginning, CVCD has seen over 150 students graduate from our course with the skills and knowledge to be able to start their own small business. Of these students 52 were directly injured by landmines, 33 injured by UXO and 65 were relatives of landmine/UXO survivors.

Skills Training

Trainees study one of three skills: Sewing, Electronics, or Mechanics. Trainees study for 6 hours a day from Monday through to Saturday. The course combines theory and practical experience in both the classroom and workshop.

Our sewing course teaches trainees how to sew a number of modern clothing patterns. Trainees are taught how to use the sewing machine, measure material, cut patterns and darn. The trainees also gain experience during the course working in a tailoring shop located near the center to practice making products for local clients.

Trainees studying in the electronics course learn skills in repairing electrical appliances such as: radios, televisions, cassette players, stereos, radio phones, and other electronic tools.

The mechanics course begins with two months of theory training at the center followed by eight months of supervised practical experience in a local shop in Stoeung Trueng. Trainees have access to all necessary tools, spare parts and relevant teaching materials. The workshop teaches trainees how to repair small engines of boats, grass cutters and motor engines.

Grant Materials

When trainees successfully graduate from the course the center provide a $100 material grant which is used to buy tools needed to start-up a small business. To be eligible for a grant trainees must pass their final examination and submit a business plan to their trainer. Regular follow up by the centre manager and trainer.

Electronics

Chea Meng Keang
Course: May-Nov 2001 Age: 40 Current Occupation:
Runs his own small electronics business
Former Occupation:
He was a soldier. Meng had his accident in 1987 when he stepped on a landmine whilst walking through a field. His right leg was broken and fragments were left in both of his legs. Family: Married with one son.

Why did you decide to participate in this project?
"I have wanted to learn how to fix radios and televisions since I was a child. I did not have time and I was poor when I worked as a soldier so I was not able to."
Have there been any changes to your life as a result of your participation in the project? How has it affected your family? "I have met friends in the center. I have learnt new skills. I have studied English, Aids/HIV, and the environment. My family and villagers in my community are very happy that I have the knowledge and skills as a mechanic because in the village if you want to get a radio or TV fixed you need to travel about 6km. Sometimes, you would have to wait for over a month until the road became dry".
How have your plans for the future been affected by your participation in the project?
"By participating in this project, I feel more confident about my abilities to open up my own business. I am happy to make money to support the family. I plan to teach the next young generation in the village, particularly my son". What is the importance of the project to your community?
"The importance of the project to my community is that people with a disability like me will gain a valuable skill. Skills that no one can take away from me or them. It means we can improve our living conditions by earning more money to support my family."

Chea Meng Keang finished the first course.

Health care

The centre director Mr Kim Douworn is responsible for the health needs of the trainees studying at the center. He provides basic health treatment and counseling. If trainees require major treatment they are referred to the Rose Charity Hospital in Phnom Penh. The center cooperates with a Rehabilitation clinic in Kampong Cham who in the past have supplied prosthetic legs for some of our trainees.

During the course program trainees attend workshops on Basic Health (HIV/Aids, birth spacing, STDs, family planning), environmental education, business skills and micro-credit education. The center also offers Khmer literacy classes for those in the course who lack basic literacy skills.