A dual celebration was held at World Vision today in recognition of thousands of Cambodians who are using their business skills to lift themselves out of poverty.

Already partnering with 19,000 clients in six provinces, the emergence of World Vision’s micro-enterprise programs into the newly registered, independent company, VisionFund Cambodia, heralds increasing opportunities for Cambodians to access small-scale business loans to improve their lives.

Hosted by Mr Lynn Arnold, Vice President of World Vision in the Asia Pacific Region, the launch of VisionFund Cambodia also provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of six VisionFund clients who were announced as winners of the United Nations’ Global Microentrepreneurship Awards last week.

24 year old Theang Phally is a winner of one of these awards. Though effective application of her VisionFund Cambodia loan, Phally now runs a thriving grocery business.

“Before 2000, I sold rice and only earned enough money to live each day. But through the support of VisionFund Cambodia, I was able to develop a clear goal for my business. I started a grocery business which has improved my life. At the same time, my community benefits from the development activities of World Vision,” she said.

Applauding the efforts of Theang Phally and other winners, Lynn Arnold expressed pride that VisionFund Cambodia clients had been awarded with six of the 19 national awards.

“The achievements of these six clients are representative of thousands of personal success stories from VisionFund clients around the country. Through VisionFund Cambodia we are witnessing transformation of people’s lives. This is matched with exceptional repayment rates, improved village solidarity, and enhanced community savings,” he said.

“VisionFund Cambodia recognises that many of the poorest people in Cambodia are just like Theang Phally; resourceful, hard working and determined to solve their own problems. But without capital, these families are often forced into a cycle of poverty,” said Lynn Arnold.

“Through the provision of financial services, VisionFund enables the poor to liberate themselves from poverty. We do this not just through loan provision, but also through supporting individuals and the community with business training and advice,” he added.

“VisionFund Cambodia is focused on partnering with poor families as they establish secure, healthy and dignified lives. Operating in World Vision’s existing program areas, VisionFund Cambodia complements its loan operations through investment in ongoing community development, ensuring that families have access clean water, health care, education and agriculture.”

In conclusion, Lynn Arnold praised all VisionFund Cambodia clients, “As we launch the new entity of VisionFund Cambodia, we acknowledge the significant efforts of our clients. We are partners working together, but it is thanks to the efforts and business skills of the clients that we are achieving a better future for Cambodia.”

Local and international media are invited to attend the official opening ceremony in the morning session.
Date: Monday 28 February
Time: 8:00 am
Location: World Vision Cambodia – National Office #20 Street 71 (near the corner Monivong and Mao Tse Toung Blvds)

For more information, please contact:
Rommel Caringal, HP: +855 12 958094