One of the close partner relationships World Renew is privileged with in Cambodia is the Mission Alliance of Norway (MA). We have been working together for more than four years. This collaboration is not simply a funding and implementing relationship, meaning, “You (MA) give us the money, and we (World Renew) do the work and report to you the results.” No, it is much more than that. We are co-laborers with MA, not only as a funder but also in providing people like Knut and Bente who are seconded to the World Renew team in Cambodia under my supervision.

Knut is our ‘education program’ specialist. In the ten communities where we are currently working with four local partners, we have established kindergartens and parent teacher associations to encourage better attendance and to help improve teachers and facilities among nine primary and secondary schools.
 
It is important to understand that our work is not simply project-focused, i.e., get latrines or wells built or set up a rice bank. We do these things, but we also have a wider focus that integrates our efforts through our local partner and the community leadership to address community needs.
 
We address these needs in five ways:
  1. Poverty reduction through more better income (better agriculture and small business)
  2. Better health and nutrition (including improving the environment)
  3. Infrastructure improvements (village access, canals, latrines, community centers etc.)
  4. Better education (kindergarten to secondary)
  5. Peace/justice/advocacy to help communities work together with local authorities
 
Knut and Bente are challenged as they work with the World Renew Cambodia team and our local partners to improve the education of the children in our target communities. Recently, they conducted a survey to assess our progress and to establish key areas to work on with our partners. In the pictures accompanying this article, you can see Knut (he), Bente (she), and CRWRC staff Mrs. Arun and Mr. Kannbo leading a workshop with four of our local partners. Also present is Mr. Paulerk our Program Team Leader and the participants of our partner staff. These are the people I have the awesome privilege of co-laboring with as a team leader/coach. Thanks be to God for these gifted people!

Give thanks:

  • For the opportunity to take time off for vacation in China and Canada

  • For the completion of Laurel Koopmans-Brown health study and the addition of Ms. Kimsear to our team

  • A peaceful regional election

Pray for:

  • Local partner leaders – they sometimes face compromising situations that challenge their integrity

  • For the three new churches now partnering with us to do community development work

  • Knut and Bente’s expectation of a new baby this October!

Blessings and peace,

Rick DeGraaf

World Renew Cambodia
Country Consultant