Women’s Textile Project – Phnom Penh

Cambodia is renowned for its beautiful silks and textile designs. Unfortunately it is also infamous for having one of the highest disability rates in the world. This is partly due to diseases such as polio that are associated with poverty but also from the ghastly legacy of landmines that have been a menace in some of the Northern provinces since the Khmer Rouge era.

Our project here is a little centre based in the capital, Phnom Penh. It teaches textile skills to young women, disabled from either polio or landmines. Over the course of two years they are trained to produce beautiful clothing, furnishings, jewellery and craft products out of Cambodian silk. The centre is financed entirely through the sale of their work, and whenever money becomes available, more women are invited to join the programme.

The project needs volunteer with textile and/or design skills to work alongside the women giving them guidance and helping with their training. Support is also needed with the simple sales and marketing of their products.

• Minimum duration: 2 weeks
• Maximum duration: 12 weeks

For further details, see our Cambodia country page. Then simply contact us or complete the application form.