In late 2013 many areas of Cambodia were hit by devastating floods. CARE provided emergency relief at the time but the work did not stop there. CARE is now assisting the recovery of those communities most affected by the floods by supporting them to improve their livelihoods, rehabilitating infrastructure and helping communities prepare for future disasters. The aims and activities of the ECHO funded project were outlined at two recent events in the two provinces where CARE will focus its work – one in Prey Veng on 27 May and another in Ratanak Kiri on 29 May.
These workshops were attended by representatives from provincial government, provincial and district committees for disaster management, provincial Red Cross and other non-government organisations, and local communities at commune and village level. CARE shared the main areas in which it will be working so that all participants are aware of key activities taking place and others could identify potential areas of collaboration where appropriate.
CARE has a special focus on working with women and girls to bring sustainable changes to their communities. As a result, CARE’s flood recovery project has a particular emphasis on improving the livelihood recovery of women and vulnerable families within affected communities. Cash transfers will be accompanied by follow-up support such as financial literacy and management trainings to help households use their funds effectively. Village forums to raise awareness of how to mitigate the risks of disasters and adapt to a changing climate and emergency preparedness exercises at village level will ensure women are included in planning processes within their communities. Support to develop commune DRR plans and include these in district and provincial planning processes will ensure that women’s perspectives are considered.
At the Prey Veng event Mr. Muk Theary, Deputy Provincial Governor, said “I would like to thank CARE for often helping the rural poor in Cambodia, including communities here in Prey Veng province. I encourage relevant authorities at all levels to collaborate with CARE staff to achieve these goals.”
Following these launch events, village-level orientations will be taking place over the coming weeks. Project activities aim to directly impact 4000 ID poor families.