Sewing Project
Sewing Project
In the country of Cambodia, helping local entrepreneurs start a business can be an effective ministry strategy. That was the impetus for the sewing project in the remote village of Svay Kang.
This ministry started in 2013 and is overseen by Pastor Ry Saran and his wife, Sophanet. The project originated with Sophanet and her creative ideas about ways for local widows to take care of their families. Moved by Sophanet’s vision for a self-supporting business, Cambodia Impact provided a small loan which allowed the purchase of five sewing machines and sewing materials needed to create products for the local markets. The sewing actually took place in Pastor Saran’s church building when it was not being used for worship and teaching.
The creation of jobs for needy Cambodians is a successful ministry approach and provides a unique way for Cambodia Impact to assist the poor. When those unable to find work are enabled to become employed, dignity is gained through acquiring new job skills, a sense of hope for the future is developed, lives are rebuilt and connections are often made with a local church that honors Christ.
The sewing project is a huge success. The original loan was paid back ahead of schedule and additional loans were provided for more sewing machines, sewing materials and even a small truck to deliver products to local markets. Then, a generous supporter of Cambodia Impact funded the construction of a new building constructed next to Pastor Saran’s church to be used by the sewing ladies. Currently, dozens of village ladies use 32 sewing machines to produce a variety of products for local markets. This small enterprise has been so successful, the sewing ladies of Svay Kang are currently unable to keep up with the demand for their products.
