Over 197,000 children have gained access to quality, inclusive education, overcoming barriers like poverty and social exclusion. Supplied
World Vision Cambodia has shared promising findings from a review of the progress of its current strategy.
The mid-strategy review of impactful programmes was shared during a consultative January 16 workshop held in Phnom Penh to evaluate its five-year strategy.
Launched in 2023, the strategy – which aims to impact 5 million children by 2027 – has already reached more than 3 million children.
The event brought together government representatives, international development partners, civil society organisations, private sector stakeholders and youth leaders to celebrate its achievements and recalibrate for future success.
The five-year strategy represents an ambitious commitment to addressing the root causes of poverty and ensuring that every child can thrive.
National director of the organisation Janes Imanuel Ginting noted that for over five decades, World Vision has worked alongside local communities and partners to transform the lives of children and their families.
“Our mission, ‘For every child, life in all its fullness,’ has guided our efforts to create lasting change,” he said.
The workshop provided a platform to review progress at the strategy’s midpoint. Having already reached over 3 million children across 20 provinces, including Phnom Penh, World Vision highlighted key achievements while seeking input on how to maximise impact in the coming years.
Terry Ferrari, regional leader for World Vision East Asia and Chan Sothea, head of the NCDD Secretariat, attend the consultative workshop held in Phnom Penh on January 16. Supplied
“Over 197,000 children have gained access to quality, inclusive education, overcoming barriers like poverty and social exclusion,” said World Vision.
Child protection initiatives have safeguarded 295,000 children from abuse, exploitation and neglect, creating safer environments for growth and development.
Economic resilience has been another cornerstone of the strategy. The organisation supported 2,600 entrepreneurs, trained 2,600 farmers in climate-smart agricultural techniques and provided 5,600 vulnerable households with access to financial services through Savings Groups.
These efforts have equipped families with tools to build sustainable livelihoods and break the cycle of poverty.
Chan Sothea, head of the National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development (NCDD), acknowledged the programme’s achievements.
He highlighted its role in strengthening social accountability through initiatives like the Implementation of Social Accountability Framework (ISAF) Project.
“As part of the ongoing support for the Decentralization and Deconcentration reforms, development partners and civil society organisations are encouraged to prepare their own strategic and action plans,” Sothea said, while emphasising the importance of coordinated efforts.
Launched in 2023, the strategy aims to impact 5 million children by 2027 and has already reached more than 3 million children. Supplied
He noted that this includes supporting the preparation and implementation of the NCDD's annual action plan and budget, as well as contributing to the development of the second five-year implementation plan, which the NCDD Secretariat plans to prepare in 2025.
As World Vision Cambodia moves into the second half of its five-year strategy, the organisation remains focused on scaling its impact.
The goal of reaching five million children by 2027 requires not only continued dedication but also adaptive strategies to address emerging challenges.
Terry Ferrari, regional leader for World Vision East Asia, delivered a powerful call to action during the workshop’s closing session.
“It will take all of us, acting together, to ensure that no child is left behind and that every child has the opportunity to thrive,” she said.
Ferrari emphasized collective responsibility and the need for collaboration among governments, NGOs and the private sector to drive sustainable change for Cambodia’s children.
