Profile

Recent research shows that approximately 4% of Cambodians are disabled ("The disabled still lack employment opportunities, " p. 8. Development Weekly, 18-24 December, 2006), which is one of the highest rates of disabilities in the world. Some of these disabilities are the results of land mines and unexploded ordinance left over from over two decades of war. There are also many people affected by polio, or who have limbs amputated due to untreated diabetes.

Rehab Craft Cambodia is a fair trade NGO run by and for Cambodians with disabilities that provides support and creates job opportunities by producing quality handicrafts and marketing our products along with products from rural artisans.

RCC strives to see Cambodians with disabilities and marginalized people improve their standard of living and be recognized as valuable, contributing members of society.

Cambodian silk is dyed and woven by hand. The standard width of silk is 90 cm and it contains about 2500 threads, or 27 threads per centimetre! A length of silk is 3.50 metres and can take an experienced weaver up to three weeks to produce. Silk is dyed with chemical or natural plant-based dyes. Natural dyes are usually paler, and each color is available only at certain times of the year. The method of dyeing is 'Ikat', where the pattern is dyed into each thread before it is woven on a traditional loom.

Before working with RCC, life was very difficult. After my parents died, I used to live in a house with many other people. I had to wait for work and weave for a middle man who kept most of the money. Now, the income I make weaving silk orders for Rehab Craft Cambodia and selling my own work on the side, has allowed my husband and I to buy our own place. I really like weaving on my loom at home. It allows me to watch my 4 month old daughter while I work. Someday, I hope to have 4 or 5 looms in my house!

We can customise your products in two ways. First, we can make a gold stamp to introduce your company or event as with the presentation folios used at the Ottawa Anti-Landmine Treaty Conference in 1997 and the more recent Quest Room folios for Angkor and Goldiana Hotels in Siem Reap. Second, we can make products based on your own samples or sketches, exclusively for you.

RCC designs its own silk patterns and colors. We can often find plain silks in different colors, although lighter shades are more difficult than strong colors. We can also work with you to design your own silks, but this does require some time, and an initial investment from you. To find out more, send us an e-mail.

Rehab Craft is a non-profit, non-governmental (NGO), local, fair trade organization. Core funding for administration and training was originally provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand (MFAT-NZ) as a part of New Zealand's Overseas Development Assistance Program. By agreement, funding by MFAT-NZ was reduced over time as Rehab Craft became an independent, localized Cambodian NGO. At this point, our trade activities support a production staff of carvers, sewers and jewelry-makers, as well as an administrative staff that has been promoted from within. Every Rehab Craft employee, including our Co-Directors, is a Cambodian person with a disability. All our earnings are re-invested into our training and employment programs for Cambodians with disabilities.