NKFC

	What does the NKFC do? Background
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NKFC Programme

The mission of NKFC is to reduce poverty and dependence through the implementation of projects which meet basic needs through sustainable development. All our programmes are designed after detailed consultation with the local authorities at senior governmental and provincial level, as well as with the villagers themselves.

NKFC began its fieldwork in January 2000 with an approved proposal for a three year programme to December 2002, initially targeting 7 of the poorest villages in the District of Banteay Srei, still under the control of the Khmer Rouge (these were settlements of displaced families from the borders). NKFC ground work was facilitated by the negotiation and help of General Tuon Chhay who was then the Governor of Siem Reap.

The second phase began in January 2003 when 7 additional villages were added to the NKFC programme, (these were existing villages to which the original population had returned). NKFC Teams seek to promote the development of self-reliance in the rural communities by strongly discourage the villagers from selling the land that they inherited, and encouraging them to promote the harmony of traditional rural life. We are promoting the use of their land resource through farming and setting up small income generating business to supply the growing of the tourism industry (2 million visitors recorded in 2007 and a projected 5 million by 2010). We encourage self-supporting groups and assist in tackling problems, facilitating finding solutions through their own and their neighbour’s experiences and innovation.

In April 2006 when NKFC entered its third phase, for another three years.

NKFC works with 2,334 families in 14 villages of Banteay Srei district.

Population Statistics in the Initial Target Area 2006-2007

No	Village	# of families	Total population	Female	Male
1	Toul Krolanh	317	1,836	993	843
2	Kamprom	228	1,262	623	639
3	Chhouk Sar	172	1,040	620	420
4	Takoh	272	1,403	686	717
5	Prey Thmey	22	130	60	70
6	Malay	42	212	108	104
7	Rohall	31	160	88	72
	TOTAL	1,084	6,043	3,178	2,865

Population Statistics in the New Target Area 2006-2007*

No	Village	# of families	Total population	Female	Male
1	Teak	220	1,257	643	614
2	Sre Chamhaut	147	796	399	397
3	Thnal	157	814	391	423
4	Run	152	817	371	446
5	Tanee	281	1,440	715	725
6	Chey	110	569	308	261
7	Tmart Pong	183	1,042	523	519
	TOTAL	1,250	6,735	3,350	3,385

*This table was taken from the Sala Khum (2006-2007)

NKFC Field Office, Cambodia

Click here to download the NKFC field office organigramme 2009

Click here to download the NKFC field office organigramme 2007

The small NKFC staff are Cambodian, working as a family in a low profile, efficient manner and together makedaily visits to the 14 villages on motorbikes. They work at grass roots level, hand in hand with the villages and each other, as our programmes are interlinked. All NKFC staff are insured first with Indochine Insurance and now with Asia Insurance. The required international expertise is contributed mainly by our Boards of Trustees.

To watch the 4 minute promotional video of NKFC by UK Trustee Li-Da Kruger, please click here [12MB, MP4 format]

The Cambodian Context

In Cambodia, the sun shines most days, the vegetation is a riot of green and people smile easily – especially when they spot a camera! But below this pleasant, attractive surface is a much harsher reality. Cambodia ranks among the poorest countries of the world, according to United Nations analysis. Infant and maternal mortality rates are high, nutritional levels are below par, illiteracy (especially among adults) is high, employment opportunities are insufficient to meet a rapidly growing population – all of these factors result in a significant percentage of Cambodia’s population living below the official poverty line, with a daily income of less than US$ 1 per day.

The causes of Cambodia’s present poverty are many and complex. However, there is no doubt that most can be traced back to thealmost 25 years of civil war that this small country suffered from 1970 onwards. In particular, the genocidal regime of the Khmer Rouge (1975-1979) virtually destroyed national institutions, infrastructure, and worst of all, society, families and individual lives. Those who survived still bear the physical, emotional and mental scars inflicted during that period of horror.

Most Cambodians were uprooted by the long period of conflict, some several times. When conditions finally improved, many found themselves in a society without roots, traditions and even basic lore. In a predominantly agricultural society, sons had no fathers and grandfathers to teach them farming skills; daughters had no mothers and grandmothers to pass on basic concepts of housekeeping and cleanliness. Schools and health centres either did not exist or were woefully inadequate to provide even basic services.

It is against this background that NKFC is partnering Cambodian villagers in their efforts to build for themselves a hopeful and healthy future.



The Nginn Karet Foundation for Cambodia is a Registered Charity No. 1037695. Founded in 1994. A company limited by guarantee and registered in the UK No. 2913724.