Four Remarkable Social Enterprises in Cambodia Revitalizing Hope and Compassion
Cambodia, a country rich in history and culture, offers more than just temples and ancient ruins. It's home to a thriving community of socially responsible businesses that not only provide unique experiences for visitors but also contribute significantly to the betterment of the local community. Here are some must-visit establishments that blend tourism with social impact:
### Restaurants and Cafes
**Daughters of Cambodia**: Located in Phnom Penh, this social enterprise cafe serves coffee and cakes while providing a safe and supportive environment for survivors of trafficking[1]. The Daughters of Cambodia Visitor Centre, located at 321 Preah Sisowath Quay, offers a chance to learn more about the organisation and its mission[2].
### Circus
**Phare, The Cambodian Circus** in Siem Reap is a non-profit circus run by the Phare Ponleu Selpak NGO[3]. The performers and musicians are graduates of the organisation's vocational training centre, providing them with skills and income opportunities[4]. The Phare Circus show changes every few weeks, with tickets available online from $18[5].
### Boutiques & Shopping
**Artisans Angkor** in Siem Reap is a local training centre for traditional Khmer crafts, offering a shop where visitors can purchase handmade crafts[6]. **Friends 'N' Stuff** boutique, located in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, sells artisanal products made by women, often from recycled materials[7]. Friends 'N' Stuff boutique also has a stall at the Made in Cambodia Market in Siem Reap[8].
### Training Restaurants
**TREE Alliance** operates four training restaurants across Cambodia, including **Romdeng Restaurant** in Phnom Penh[9]. These establishments employ young people, many of them former street kids, providing them with on-the-job training[10]. The food at TREE Alliance training restaurants is a blend of Cambodian and Southeast Asian classics with an elevated twist or western fusion[11].
These establishments not only offer memorable experiences but also contribute to the empowerment of underprivileged individuals by providing education, job training, and support. By choosing to visit these businesses, travellers can make a positive impact on the local community while enjoying their time in Cambodia.
Food from Daughters of Cambodia, a cafe in Phnom Penh, not only tastes good but also supports the empowerment of survivors of trafficking. Phare, The Cambodian Circus, located in Siem Reap, offers a unique entertainment experience while providing income opportunities for its performers trained by the Phare Ponleu Selpak NGO. Shopping at Artisans Angkor in Siem Reap, or Friends 'N' Stuff boutique in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, helps support traditional Khmer crafts and artisanal products made by women. TREE Alliance's training restaurants, such as Romdeng Restaurant in Phnom Penh, provide job training and employment for young people, many of whom are former street kids. Travelers can make a positive impact on the local community by choosing to visit these socially responsible businesses, which also offer memorable experiences in food, culture, fashion-and-beauty, and entertainment.
