My name is Ben Tipper. I am a 27 year old Chiropractor from Melbourne Australia. I came to Cambodia with my partner in September this year who was beginning a Youth Ambassador position with AUSAID.

Before leaving Australia I began to research organisations in Cambodia, with the intent to lend my support in any way possible, and make a contribution to the development of Cambodia. During this research, I came across a number of organisations doing amazing work assisting the people of Cambodia. One of these organisations was CWARS. The work they were doing with landmine victims in Cambodia intrigued me from the start.

I immediately got in contact with the managing director of CWARS, Mr Sam Oeurn Pok, and offered to help in any way possible.From that first email we developed an instant repour and outlined a plan in which I could assist in research and documentation of the effectiveness and success of the organisation. I was glad to offer an outside perspective of the organisation, and help improve their already impressive success rate of the graduates from the vocational training centre.

I am very much looking forward to making a positive contribution to this amazing organisation, and the wonderful people of Cambodia.

I was thoroughly impressed by the magnitude of the CWARS training facility in Beantey Meanchey. To be able to accommodate such large numbers of students at one time would take great organisation and preparation. Clearly a lot of detailed work has gone into this organisation, and those involved should be extremely proud of their work.

The next thing that impressed me was the extra care offered to the students. Different partnerships with organisations allowing students access to counselling and business training is a vital part of such a program, and I would imagine contributes a great deal to the success of this program. This takes me to the point of their success rate.Any organisation in the world would be happy to have the success rate that CWARS enjoys. Again, it is a credit to those involved. By giving the students detailed training, the equipment required to start working, and the knowledge to run a business are important factors in this success I am sure.

Equally impressive was the Tapioca Factory nearing completion.To be already organising a sustainable income for such an organisation is years ahead of most NGO’s. The facility is enormous, and will not only provide many more new jobs for Cambodian people, but a great economical base for this organisation to grow from.

The only area where I felt improvement could be made would be more regular visits to graduates, particularly those starting out in areas with small populations. The equipment they are provided with upon graduating is outstanding, as are the prosthetics.This way those who struggle initially can be guided and coached to get their business up and running faster. I realise this is extremely difficult given the number of graduates and remote areas they live in, but would be of great benefit to the students.I am sure as road conditions improve this accessibility will too, and regular observation and continued support will be made easier.

Having met a great deal of the staff, it is easy to see why this organisation is so successful.From the staff in the head office who are driven, intelligent and hardworking, to the friendly, good natured and equally hard working staff at the training facility (and they are all good volleyball players too!). All understand clearly the aims and goals of the organisation, and are working together to achieve them. You cannot underestimate the fact that they all genuinely care about the student they are helping either.

I have enjoyed thoroughly my initial work with CWARS and look forward to my next adventure in Banteay Meanchey.

Ben Tipper

Contact Details:

46 Clifton St #32, St 184
Richmond, Victoria 3121

Phnom Penh
Australia

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Phone:(+61) 0425 760 897 (+855) 092 416 828