I may be wrong but Phnom Penh appears to be the world's mecca of social enterprises and NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and it feels like almost every other expat I know either works for an NGO, volunteers in one, or owns the business.
There is a multitude of local and foreign NGOs in Cambodia that
tackle issues related to gender equality, sex trafficking and exploitation, children's right
to education, clean water, health and sanitation, the rights of the
disabled, etc. to name a few; many are faith-based, others secular. While many NGOs are aid-dependent and rely on grants, donations, and volunteers to stay afloat, others incorporate social enterprises into their distribution mix.
The idea of mixing social responsibility with
doing business is not foreign to me. In fact, in 2007, I wrote a
Master's thesis on the topic of "Social Innovation: The Bottom of the
Pyramid (BOP) Approach: Exploring How a Business Strategy on Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) Can Drive Corporate Growth and
Profitability". The concept makes economic and social sense.
Socially responsible restaurants are a prominent form of social enterprises in Cambodia. Many of these restaurant employees have a disadvantaged background, many are trained in these restaurants to gain employable hospitality skills and experiences, and many call these restaurants home, a new life and family away from a checkered and impoverished past. For the owners, these restaurants mean more than profits, they are a channel to do good and make a positive impact in the society they operate in. Profits go to support livelihoods and education. Many of these restaurants also sell goods that are handmade by artisans in villages or by the staff themselves - an outlet for their creative skills to be acknowledged and original merchandises (hopefully) purchased.
Below are a few NGOs and social enterprises worth looking into in Phnom Penh, Cambodia:
This photo exhibit, "Hope and Resilience: Deaf Adults in Cambodia" was sponsored by the U.S. Embassy and DDP. The exhibited photos were taken by members of the deaf community as well as New York Times photographer James Wassermann and DDP's own Arvin Mamhot. Set on the roof top of the Frangipani Living Arts Hotel on St. 123 in Tuol Tom Poung under a warm night sky, the event was a stage for the deaf community to be seen and heard. It was an eye-opening experience for me to be there. Raise both hands and shake them (the sign for a round of applause).
#23, Street 123, Tuol Tom Poung, Phnom Penh; Sun-Fri 11am - 9pm
More than just fab burgers, the cafe is a training ground for at-risk youths to gain hospitality skills that are relevant in Cambodia's booming hospitality and tourism industry. Operated by Restore One Charity, the profits from this cafe are also channeled back to fund the various Restore One projects that were established to improve the lives of Cambodian families in rural villages. Click on the link above to read more about Restore One projects in education, housing, micro-businesses, and life skills.
#87, Street 155, Tuol Tom Poung, Phnom Penh; Mon-Sat 9am - 6pm
This social enterprise is comprised of a beauty salon, a tea room, and a cafe. On Tuesday, a full body massage cost just US$10.00 and afternoon tea US$5.00. Make it a Tuesday of pampering!
#130A, Street 430, Tuol Tom Poung, Phnom Penh; Mon-Fri 8am - 5:30pm, Sat 9am - 5:30pm
Operated under the umbrella of faith-based
Daughters of Cambodia, the cafe is one of several retail and service businesses that functions as a recovery outlet for hundreds of former sex workers to experience healing, love, and quality of life. These courageous individuals learn to manage and run the businesses self-sufficiently while sustaining their new lives for the long term.
#74, Street 174, Phnom Penh; Opens daily from 11am - 10:30 pm
Managed by local NGO,
Mith Samlanh, in collaboration with
TREE Alliance, Romdeng serves up authentic local Cambodian cuisine in a charming colonial setting. In addition to training former street or marginalized youths in the hospitality and culinary industry, the restaurant also features artwork and handicrafts for sale; these were produced by students in Mith Samlanh's art and sewing classes.
#170, Street 450, Tuol Tom Poung, Phnom Penh; Open daily from 8am - 9pm
This cafe provides employment and training to underprivileged youths and vulnerable women. Their aubergine rolls (US$3.50) were absolutely delicious.
#215, Street 13, Phnom Penh; Open daily from 11am - 10:30pm
Just like Romdeng (above), this restaurant is managed by Mith Samlanh, in collaboration with TREE Alliance. Friends is well-known for its international cuisine and frozen shakes and daiquiris.
