Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) has won the first ASEAN award for Outstanding Social Welfare and Development in Cambodia.
CCF was named as the first recipient of one of the new awards celebrating the best NGOS working in social welfare in the ASEAN region.
The honour recognizes CCF’s work to change the lives of marginalized children and families in some of the most impoverished communities in Cambodia.
CCF was nominated for the inaugural award by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY) from among 146 registered NGOs and associations in Cambodia.
CCF has seasoned, competent experience in implementing social work programs and projects, consistently achieving great results which are a remarkable contribution to social and development work in Cambodia.
CCF founder Scott Neeson received the award on behalf of CCF in person at the Ministry’s offices on 16 December.
CCF’s Country Manager, Kram Sok Channoeurn, was also present.
A virtual event to mark the awards was hosted in Thailand at the 17th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD).
It is a huge privilege for the CCF’s efforts to be acknowledged in such distinguished awards - and a proud moment for CCF staff as their hard work and dedication is rewarded.
I am very honoured to be receiving this award especially as part of the 17th ASEAN Senior Officials Meetings on Social Welfare and Development
“The evolution of Cambodian Children's Fund's social welfare programs was initially related to education. We strive to give the poorest children the best possible education. It was apparent that supporting the families, kin, and community was essential in ensuring the child's success in school, and in reaching their academic potential," said Scott Neeson.
The ASEAN awards for Outstanding Social Welfare and Development in Cambodia were launched in 2021 to showcase organizations excelling in the field of social health and development.
Each ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member state had to put forward one NGO and one private sector organization.
The 10 ASEAN countries are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY) said it chose CCF as its representative to receive the first ASEAN award because much of CCF’s work was in the field of social work and development.
CCF, it added, had “strong experience providing services to target groups’, which would include at-risk children and families in crisis.
CCF began working in Steung Meanchey, Phnom Penh, with a handful of children in 2004.
Since then, it has helped more than 3,500 children and their families find a pathway out of poverty.
Education and community support are the foundation of CCF’s work, areas which have been flagged up as ASEAN members as crucial to securing the development and future of the region.
The ASEAN Outstanding Social Welfare and Development Awards were set by the Association’s Government and Non-Government Forum on Social Welfare and Development.
The Forum is a platform for exchanging ideas to better the region with a particular focus on ‘building a more inclusive and resilient post-pandemic world based on the notion of leaving no one behind.”
CCF’s promise is that it is there for every child.
Among its achievements highlighted for the award is its mission to provide education for all; giving every child access to a high-quality education regardless of their background.
By removing the barriers to education and supporting families, CCF is keeping children in school and giving them hope of a brighter future.
Criteria for the awards included demonstrative support for communities, in particular childcare and families.
CCF’s project Promoting Family and Community-Based Care works to keep families together where possible, working to find solutions in the best interests of the child.
In situations where children are at risk of abuse, neglect or violence, CCF provides community-based care rather than residential.
CCF’s promise to be there for every child is for every step of their educational life: from kindergarten to university.
It’s successful Career & Life Skills program ensures students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to make the right choices, allowing them to lead independent and successful lives.
The program has helped hundreds of once impoverished children successfully gain entry into university, college or vocational institutions.
In 2020, 80% of CCF students who graduated high school won a place at university.
