Overview

HelpAge International is a global network of not-for-profit organizations working with over 200 local organizations in more than 70 countries. In 2009 the HAI Cambodia programme supports three project components in Battambang and Banteay Meanchey provinces: i. Food security for older people. Key activities include construction of rice barns, establishment of rice banks, income generation, and training on IFM and IPM. Distribution of rice and vegetable seed. The main focus of this project is to enhance the ability of older people to address their needs independently. Distribution of seeds and household materials, income generation and awareness building. HAI Cambodia has rich experience working with older people in Cambodia, and demonstrates that OPAs serve not only as a strong foundation for holistic development, but act as a vehicle towards participatory and sustainable development. OPAs have been instrumental in reducing the dependency of older people, and in the promotion of self-help and collective action to address the issues that affect older people living in Cambodia. ii. Improved access to safe drinking water for older people and their families. This activity is big part of whole HAI Cambodia porject activities and has been implemented by OPAs and HAI Cambodia staff. Those activities are to provide training in safe drinking water, water-borne diseases, and maintenance of ponds and wells for villages with ponds and wells. The construction or rehabilitation of ponds and wells are based on a needs assessment report by the Provincial Department of Rural Development. iii. Homecare for Older People (III). This ongoing project has been implemented since 2004 and at this stage the core activity is not only focused on providing training to volunteer for providing care service to older people but also to build up the capacity of Government and NGOs aiming to implement nationally through improving GO-NGO collaborative delivery system, formulating the national policy and the national guidelines. The main objective is to help poor older people who have limited support from extended family, and especially those who live alone.

Background

HelpAge International (HAI) officially started work in Cambodia in 1992 in partnership with the Ministry of Health for eye care delivery and with the Ministry of Social Affairs in providing quality of life for older people. HAI has several years of concrete experience working with older people in the provinces of Battambang and Banteay Meanchey. The approach of HelpAge in working with older people in the villages has gradually moved from direct emergency aid, to rehabilitation and development work, in particular community organization and the establishment of Older People's Associations (OPA). This shift in strategy is in response to the changing social and political environment in Cambodia. Lessons learnt from past experiences has also taught HelpAge that helping older people to collectively help themselves is an effective and sustainable approach to the empowerment of poor older people.

Value

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Mission

HelpAge International is a global network of not-for-profit organizations with a mission to work with and for disadvantaged older people to achieve a lasting improvement in the quality of their lives.

Vision

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Goal

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