World Vision Cambodia hosts a consultative workshop to review its strategy implementation and partnership on child-focused programmes and collaborations
World Vision Cambodia held a consultative workshop in Phnom Penh, bringing together stakeholders from the Royal Government of Cambodia, representatives from children and youth club, international development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector. This event provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since the launch of World Vision’s five-year country strategy, specifically on what has been worked, did not work and rooms for improvement, placing children at the centre of Cambodia’s development and ensuring their well-being for future generations.
A Legacy of Impact: World Vision’s Long-standing Presence
The workshop opened with remarks from Rima and Chaiden, the representative from World Vision Children and Youth Council. who shared how World Vision’s programs helped them build confidence and gain hope for the future. Their stories illustrated the life-changing impact of the organization’s work. They also bring the voices of children and youth recommending World Vision to ensure more inclusive participation. Then World Vision Cambodia’s National Director Janes Imanuel Ginting set the context of the strategy review and extended appreciation for all stakeholders on impactful partnership on child well-being. 
"For over five decades, World Vision has worked alongside local communities and partners to transform the lives of children and their families," the director shared. "Our mission, ‘For every child, life in all its fullness,’ has guided our efforts to create lasting change," said Janes.
In 2023, World Vision launched its current five-year strategy with an ambitious goal to positively impact 5 million children, especially the most vulnerable, by 2027. As the halfway point of this strategy approaches, the workshop served as a moment to review progress, seek feedback from partners, and adjust plans where needed to ensure success by 2027.
Key Achievements in Education, Protection, Economic and Climate Resilience
World Vision’s strategy progress and achievements over the past two years were shared in the workshop. World Vision has reached over 3 million children across 20 provinces, including Phnom Penh. In education, World Vision helped more than 197,000 children access quality and inclusive education, overcoming barriers like poverty and social exclusion. In child protection, World Vision has safeguarded 295,000 children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Through various initiatives, the organization has created safer environments for children, promoting their well-being and development.
World Vision has also supported 2,600 entrepreneurs in launching businesses and trained 2,600 farmers in climate-smart agricultural techniques, fostering more sustainable livelihoods. In addition, World Vision’s Savings Groups approach has provided 5,600 vulnerable households with access to financial services, helping families improve their economic stability.
These programs are essential for breaking the cycle of poverty, building resilient communities, and equipping families with the tools to overcome economic challenges.
Strengthening Social Accountability and Partnerships
His Excellency Chan Sothea, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Interior and Head of the National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development (NCDD) Secretariat, acknowledged World Vision’s contributions to Cambodia’s development, particularly in strengthening social accountability via the Implementation of Social Accountability Framework (ISAF) Project, funded by the Australian Government (DFAT) via World Bank’s Trust Fund. In his opening remarks, he highlighted key elements of the Decentralization and Deconcentration (D&D) Reforms and explained how it aligns with and serves as a crucial component of the Cambodian government's Pentagonal Strategy.
His Excellency said “As part of the ongoing support for the Decentralization and Deconcentration reforms, development partners and civil society organizations are encouraged to prepare their own strategic and action plans. This includes supporting the preparation and implementation of the NCDD's annual action plan and budget, as well as contributing to the development of the second five-year implementation plan, which the NCDD Secretariat plans to prepare in 2025."
A key panel discussion explored the challenges faced by civil society organizations, with insights from experts such as Ms. Sin Putheary, Executive Director of the Cooperation Committee for Cambodia, Mr. Jo Scheuer, UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Neang Noat Hany, a leading Community Accountability Facilitator in Kandal Province, and Ms Susanne Seith, Asia Regional Programme Manager for World Vision Germany. The panellists agreed on the need for improved coordination among stakeholders, local community engagement, and innovative solutions to address critical issues like climate change, gender inequality, and economic development, all of which directly impact children’s futures.
Collective Action for Cambodia’s Children
The workshop concluded with a call to action from Ms. Terry Ferrari, Regional Leader for World Vision East Asia.
"It will take all of us, acting together, to ensure that no child is left behind and that every child has the opportunity to thrive," said Ferrari .
Ms. Ferrari underscored the importance of collective responsibility in achieving sustainable change for Cambodia’s children and stressed that the continued collaboration between governments, NGOs, and the private sector is essential to overcoming the country’s challenges.
This consultative workshop reaffirmed World Vision Cambodia’s dedication to improving the lives of the country’s most vulnerable children and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and innovation to achieve lasting change.
About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian grassroots organisation operating in Cambodia for more than 50 years and improving the well-being of the most vulnerable children and their communities. The INGO works in 20 provinces and Phnom Penh Capital, with programs spanning child protection, education, nutrition, livelihoods or climate adaptation. In 2024 alone, the agency impacted the lives of 3 million girls and boys in Cambodia.