Background

The Artisans’ Association of Cambodia (AAC) was founded in 2001 by WRF as part of a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funded initiative to develop innovative approaches to the socio-economic integration of landmine survivors. Cambodia, one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia where over 50% of its population earns less than $2 per day, continues to grapple with landmines, with as many as four to six million landmines and unexploded ordnances. Due largely to this, there are some 40,000 amputees in Cambodia. Group Photo WTFO and AACBearing in mind the barriers to economic independence for vulnerable communities in Cambodia, the AAC has expanded its mission to help not only landmine survivors but also other persons with disabilities and women, especially those who are disabled, victims of trafficking, HIV positive, or single heads of families. The AAC supports over 40 social enterprises in Cambodia who employee over 2,540 Cambodian artisans, 76% of whom are women. The AAC supports small Cambodian social enterprises who provide opportunities for marginalized people to produce and market artisan products both domestically and internationally. Assistance from the AAC includes training and technical assistance in the areas of production, design, management, marketing and other aspects important to the optimum functioning of groups involved in artisan work. The AAC also helps to identify and recruit buyers, educate members on the importance of complying with fair labor practices and works closely with the Ministries of Commerce and Tourism to promote Cambodian artisan products to tourists and international buyers. This assistance enables member organizations to advance opportunities for the nation’s most vulnerable people to achieve economic independence by providing viable markets for quality products.

Value

+The WRF staff works closely with local and international partners to develop culturally appropriate initiatives that address all aspects of rehabilitation, from incident through reintegration by: -Strengthening the capacity of indigenous organizations to better meet the needs of people in states of disadvantage due to various forms of disabilities. -Developing community-based programs for physical, psychological, and socio-economic rehabilitation and reintegration. -Upgrading skills of rehabilitation service providers such as prosthetists/orthotists, physicians, therapists, health promoters, nurses, social workers, and vocational rehabilitation specialists. -Collaborating with industry and local professionals to enhance vocational training, skills-building, and job placement programs to create sustainable employment and income-generating entrepreneurial opportunities. -Training rehabilitation professionals throughout the world in the fabrication and fitting of artificial limbs, orthopedic braces, and other assistive technology appropriate for the geographic area they serve. -Ensuring that people with disabilities are part of the team from start to finish.

Mission

WRF’s mission is to enable individuals around the world with functional limitations and participation restrictions to achieve community and social integration through physical and socio-economic rehabilitation and advocacy; and to prevent disability and reduce disadvantage.

Vision

WRF believes that all people, regardless of disability, have the right to participate fully in their communities, to attain education and viable employment.