Life savers: organizations that change the lives of their employees forever

In a place known for poverty and struggle, non-profits and social enterprises in Cambodia are changing the lives of the people who work there forever.

Cambodia unfortunately has a reputation for corruption and scams. It’s a place where “non-profits” are name only, and don’t make much of an impact on others. Most of the time these organizations are plagued by mismanagement, internal strife and are staffed by dubious characters.

It’s easy to quickly grow into a cynic as the challenge to make positive impact in the country remains a long, uphill battle.

So it’s no surprise that many people initially dismiss book stores, cafés, and foreign-run businesses that openly and proudly identify themselves as nonprofits.

However, contrary to popular beliefs, it is easier to be inspired rather than it is to be jaded when looking at the determined and dedicated people behind a few non-profits and social enterprises in the small town of Siem Reap.

Siem Reap is a small town in Northwestern Cambodia (which is located between Thailand and Vietnam in Asia Pacific). Siem Reap is filled with friendly locals and is a rapidly growing small town full of unparalleled charm.

What every person can see in Siem Reap, whether on a quick jaunt or a long-term mission is that a large number of non-profits and social enterprises are on almost every corner, with new ones opening up all the time.

You may see non-profits such as hotels, cafés and manufacturing specialists. But the products and services they each offer to customers are not what captivate people’s attention, it’s the profound impact these organization are having on the lives of the employees who work there.

Working in a coffee shop serving food and drinks may not seem like it would make a difference beyond giving people a living wage, but there’s more to it than a paycheck where most people live with just under $1.25 US dollars a day.

Each employee gets a variety of benefits for personal growth. From the Soria Moria Hotel to the recently-opened New Leaf Book Café or the Common Grounds coffee shop to the Coco Khmer coconut products manufacturer, these businesses arm their employees with both professional and life skills so that they may better improve their economic and social circumstances.

Employees take part in profit sharing and learn new skills, that are transferable to industries outside of food service and hospitality.

In the case of Common Grounds coffee shop, several employees have moved on to be employed by other local non-profits in positions such as finance.

The organization People for Care and Learning is one of the many social enterprises that notably hire people who would otherwise not have a chance of being hired by typical businesses. These include people who may not have finished their primary education or kids on the street so that they have a better chance at life instead of remaining in the poverty gap.

Moly, who currently works at Common Grounds, speaks glowingly about the opportunity has she have been given beyond her paycheck. Coming from a family of seven, she is one of the fortunate few to have an education and speak English. She has an opportunity to continue her university education because she was able to borrow money to pay for her school and pay it back with her salary. Currently studying Business Management, Moly hopes to work in manufacturing and production after she finishes her education and time at Common Grounds.

If any one characteristic is crucial for operating a social enterprise in Cambodia, it’s making sure that employees are paid a fair wage, one that is neither too low nor too high. The key to understanding this is that if their wage is too low, they can not save and get out of the poverty gap, and if their wage is too high, it creates resentment and jealousy, not just between other employees, but by their community and relatives who may demand the money. It’s crucial that what logically follows this is the training that explains why some employees earn more than others because they have more responsibilities or whose job duties require specialized skills.

One expat described Cambodia as analogous to the American Wild West: dangerous, still vastly untouched, teeming with dodgy individuals, but also full of opportunities and a chance for everyone to try something new, especially for social entrepreneurs seeking to make a difference.

In the case of New Leaf Book Café, its founders had no background in restaurant management. While volunteering at the Cambodian Children’s House of Peace, Ian and Georgina, New Leaf Book Café’s founders, met and the idea for a book shop and café was born. So in January of 2013, the two of them began their plans to open up a café to offer a service to travelers in search of good food and reading, which would be stocked with used, donated books.

Initially, as with all startups, they faced challenges, but ended up with overwhelming unexpected support. New Leaf Book Cafe estimated it would struggle in the beginning, but they actually a profit by the end of the second month.

One year later, New Leaf has gone beyond its initial scope and doesn’t show any sign of slowing down. Children’s books are donated to schools to help students learn English, and are offering training for IT, Finance, and English to their employees. Furthermore, New Leaf is also building awareness of other local, like-minded organizations such as a recording studio for local musicians.

“What is really great about social enterprise,” says Mikel Samaniego, President of the social enterprise-focused nonprofit organization Angels for Angels, “is that by nature, entrepreneurs are on the ground and know what they [their community] want and need. It’s why they can respond faster than governments caught up in bureaucratic red tape and nonprofits competing for funding, both often overstretched.”

If the success of businesses like New Leaf and workers like Moly for Common Grounds are an indicator of anything, we can be certain that despite the challenges in Cambodia, there are many individuals and groups who are ready to rise to the occasion.

This story originally appeared in Destra Magazine.