Showcasing The STEER Project: Life-Changing Climate Adaptation and Child Protection Work in Cambodia

Posted on 06 October 2024

Save the Children New Zealand hosted an event at Parliament earlier this September to mark 100 years of child rights and showcase the life-changing climate adaptation and child protection work in the Pacific, Asia, and around the world. Mr. Reaksmey Hong, Country Director of Save the Children Cambodia, shared insights into the Systems Approach to Transformative Economic Empowerment and Resilience (STEER) project, supported by MFAT and individual donors via Save the Children NZ, and called for continued global support to protect children.

The STEER project in Koh Kong, Cambodia, facilitates transformative agricultural development to bolster economic empowerment and community resilience. The project focuses on training farmers in adaptive horticultural techniques, connecting them to markets, and linking them with input suppliers. A social return on investment study revealed that for every $1 invested, there is a $12 return, enhancing economic conditions, family and children’s well-being, and child protection.

As a result, family incomes have increased from less than NZ$2,200 to NZ$3,500 per farmer per year. Women have been economically empowered, now making decisions on what to plant and how to utilise profits—something they had never done before. Many reinvest their profits into expanding production and into their children’s education, food, and transportation.

Challenges Facing Cambodia’s Children and a Call for Continued Support

Despite Cambodia's rapid economic growth, nearly half of its children are multi-dimensionally poor. They face risks such as dropping out of school and a lack of access to quality education and health services. These children are also more vulnerable to climate-related emergencies, including heatwaves, storms, and droughts, which threaten food security. Many families struggle to earn enough to provide necessities, with more than 70% of Cambodia’s population living on less than NZ$8 a day.

"You can protect children in New Zealand and support children in Cambodia, Asia, and the Pacific by backing credible humanitarian organisations like Save the Children. We need ongoing support from NZ MFAT to prioritise resilient livelihoods and children’s well-being. New Zealand can inspire the region with its political commitment to child protection and climate change adaptation," said Mr. Reaksmey Hong, Country Director of Save the Children Cambodia.

Photo by Save the Children NZ: Mr Reaksmey Hong presenting at the New Zealand Parliament.

Tags:

save the children