Prey Romeas Outreach Project
The Ratanak Outreach Project in Prey Romeas is a project in partnership with New Life Fellowship Church
to build a multi-purpose community centre. It will house an Office Skills Training School, and provide
kids programs and church services for Prey Romeas and the seven surrounding communities!
The History of Prey Romeas
When UN aid stated pouring into Cambodia in the mid 1990s, the intention was for such aid to be distributed evenly throughout the country. However, such endeavours never quite work out as planned. Some villages received substantial developmental aid, while others were left with little if any assistance – the funds, instead, landing in the pockets of corrupt officials. Such was the community of Prey Romeas. Desperate to support their families but with little assistance or opportunities, the youth of the community were vulnerable to criminal activity. There was no Christian presence in Prey Romeas, and no apparent future for those living there.
Present Day
Today, a rapidly expanding factory district sits in stark contrast to the small village of Prey Romeas. Here, and in the seven surrounding villages, is where many garment workers from the factories call home. Nearly 94% of families in Prey Romeas rely on agriculture as their primary source of income. Many youth are seeking an education in English and computer technology as they recognize the potential opportunities having these skills can bring.
The garment factory workers are often young and innocent women who end up working long hours, earning only about $60 a month. They are highly vulnerable to exploitation, abuse and trafficking as a result of financial desperation and naiveté and there is little opportunity for advancement in their skills and careers.
The Project
Some months ago, Ratanak purchased a large plot of land in Prey Romeas. This has already been leveled and walled, and is ready for the building of what will become a multi-purpose complex. It will house a school, kids club, youth sports and church. This ‘Phase One’ of the project is designed to support and encourage the community through the offering of programs and the building of relationships. Once established and community trust gained, we hope that ‘Phase Two’ will be the provision of dorms for factory girls – a safe place where they can be both encouraged and protected from those who would seek to prey on them.
The Ratanak Prey Romeas Outreach Project is a long-term endeavor with a local church and in a community not previously open to such ministry. In the best Ratanak tradition, we are seeking to equip, encourage and support Cambodians as they transform their villages into a place of hope and safety. Through this project, we can serve not only the village residents, but also the hundreds of vulnerable girls flocking to the area in hopes of building a prosperous future for themselves and their families.
Donate
A generous donor has agreed to match up to $20,000 of funding in donations of this outreach. Please consider supporting this important project and the many lives that it will impact. Your support is greatly appreciated!