The Coolest Organization In The World

from November 6, 2008 ...

I just received an email asking me what Tabitha is. For the last year as we've described the Cambodia portion of this trip I have wondered that very question myself. I thought our time with my aunt Janne would clear that up. Funny enough the very first night we were together she said it was hard for her to describe the organization.

She has been a way at a silk fair this past week. Turns out the people (a large majority are ex pats) in Singapore are crazy about the silks products the families here make. So twice a year she goes to answer questions/do presentations as well as display and sell the hand made silk items. The successful goal for this year was to raise $150 000. But how does this money get back to the people, the poorest of the poor?

There are 4 main areas of out reach: community development, cottage industry, house building and wells. The first two is run by locals to get them back on their feet, to regain their pride and sense of worth that was lost beginning in the Pol Pot time. The second two promotes donations from international communities and allows them an opportunity for hands on work. We were able to see the operations in motions and help build houses too.


The community development is a huge part of what the local staff support. They currently work in 10 provinces in Cambodia. Families who are wiling to have a dream, big or small, can join the savings fund. A Tabitha staff worker visits the community on a weekly basis, collecting money from the participants. They then hold on to the money and together they keep a written record of the money, until the family has saved up enough money to buy their dream. Maybe it is a bag of rice, a bike, medicine, a mat to sleep on, supplies to send their children to school. At the end of each dream cycle ( 10 week period) they receive 10% interest on their savings. With renewed confidence and pride they beginning to make their lives better. Those from Tabitha that come along side the poor are usually involved and supporting the families for about 6 or 7 years, at about $20/family/year. So let's keep those donations coming.


The Cottage Industry is a fancy term that describes employing and empowering women so they can support their families. The handmade items are a big hit around the world; from linens to ornaments to purses to children's toys to silver jewellery, plus the special orders. Many of which are made from pure Cambodian silk, one of the best in the world. They are crocheted, knitted, woven, sewn, or carved. It is up to the individual to determine how much time and energy they'll invest towards the work, as the raw materials are provided and through piece work they are paid a fair price. HIV is prevalent and this impacts people's quality of life and ability to make an income. Tabitha's method of do what you are able is a saving grace for many families. Some of the the women work at the shop/show room and others have been able to buy a sewing machine with their savings and bring the machine home with them.

Where are you right now as you are reading this? There is a good chance that you are at your home. Imagine if you didn't have a computer, a bed, a reliable roof over your head, a kitchen table. How would you feel? It is a little different as Cambodia is tropical. But imagine if your house was just a few boards thrown together, a bent piece of tin or cardboard supported by bamboo and thatch. Safe and secure are not the first words that come to mind.

So that is where the community from abroad helps out. The donations of time and money are received by those who need it most. Together the communities decide who the recipients will be. Tabitha choose communities where over 75% of the people make less than $2/day. The elder is often a liason person, but the individuals take ownership of the decision making and the projects. Whether it be for wells or a house the recipients must raise a small portion. This can take many months and years. Tabitha monitors participants to ensure that they are committed to making the best use of the resources. They are encouraged to share water with those around them. The wells provide families with a source of income and more time to work towards their goals. Over time people can grown their own gardens and build extensions on to their homes.

Not many people can say that they have a aunt in Cambodia. And few people are able to proudly say that through family they can more clearly see how one person can make a difference in the world. Together we can and do bring about the changes in the world that we wish for and dream about.