SIPAR BRICKYARD PROGRAM
Suburbs of Phnom Penh, Cambodia
DESCRIPTION
SUPPORT FOR BRICKWORKS WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
The Comgest Foundation has supported SIPAR’s activities in Cambodia since 2017 through the Bibliobus project. Launched with the Foundation’s support, this project targets the families of brick factory workers in the suburbs of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Its main objective is to break the cycle of poverty for workers and their children in 40 brickyards by promoting their socio-educational development (approximately 4,000 direct beneficiaries across 800 families, 50% of whom are girls and women). A recent ARTE documentary examined working conditions that are akin to slavery and trap families in an endless cycle (https://www.arte.tv/fr/videos/130575-000-A/cambodge-les-briques-de-sang/)
SIPAR’s project activities take place at three levels:
1 – Development of reading, tutoring and educational activities for the children of brick factory workers
2 – Design and implementation of an adapted education system, together with personal and social development support for out-of-school teenagers.
3 – Support for social development and improved living conditions for families working in the brickyards.
This project is co-financed by the Luciole Foundation, which has committed funding for the next two years. Over the next three years, 48% of the project will also be co-financed by the French Development Agency (AFD).
IMPACT / MAIN INDICATORS
Expected results
• 1,600 children aged 3–14 participate regularly in educational and reading activities; at least 80% maintain school enrolment through primary level and improve their reading and numeracy skills.
• At least 600 out-of-school teenagers and young adults participate in a structured education programme (literacy, numeracy, financial literacy, life skills); at least 70% improve their foundational skills and social integration.
• 1,900 adults from 800 families participate in family support activities; at least 70% adopt improved practices in health, nutrition, hygiene, financial management and child education.
• At least 70% of brick factory managers and owners are actively engaged in improving living and working conditions for families; the long-term ambition is to influence national education and child labour prevention policies by 2032.
LOCAL
PARTNER
SIPAR Phnom Penh
Selection
Duration
Project selected in September 2023
Multi-year project: 3 years
Financed
by
The Comgest Foundation
COMMENT FROM THE AMBASSADOR
Ouline Ear
Since the collaboration with The Comgest Foundation began in 2017, the project has grown significantly. The number of brickyards visited by the mobile libraries increased from 12 to 32. Primary school children are now well taken care of by village school teachers. Particular attention is now required for teenagers who have dropped out of school.
Another area of development for the project is support for families’ social development, alongside efforts to influence sector participants to improve living and working conditions.
SIPAR works in partnership with local authorities, the Ministry of Education and CWPD. The Luciole Foundation will provide co-financing until June 2028. The long-term ambition is to reach 1,500 families by 2032 and influence national education and child labour prevention policies.
Having become the project’s Ambassador this year, I am convinced of SIPAR’s ability to create lasting change in this very particular environment, where brickyard workers are trapped in a cycle of poverty that also condemns their children to remain in it. The Comgest Foundation’s continued involvement is making a real difference for the children and families supported by the project.