22 new crèches in Cambodia
Lhildcare for women textile workers remains a huge challenge in Cambodia. After testing the installation of crèches in the factories, we adapted the project to meet the needs of these women and launched the construction of 22 community crèches in villages with our local partner Krousar Yoeung.
A crèche model that involves villagers and businesses
22 new crèches will be built between 2020 and 2023 in villages in Kompong Speu province to address the childcare needs of families working in the textile industry in Cambodia.
Each nursery will be able to accommodate 25 children from 6 to 36 months. The buildings will respect environmental and health standards to provide an environment that is conducive to the development of young children. Finally, the factories will pay part of the registration fees for the daycare center, making it more accessible to female workers.
With this project, in partnership with the local association Krousar Yoeung and the World Bank, we have imagined a community daycare model. We are indeed convinced that the participation of the villagers is essential to the viability of the project. That is why we will consult with workers, families, but also with local and national authorities.
The nurseries will be built near the living and working places of the workers. But they will not be the only ones to benefit. The entire community will benefit from the project since, in addition to the crèches, we will be setting up outreach sessions: to remind the importance of early childhood development, on the nutrition of the youngest but also to fight against domestic and educational violence. These sessions will be free and open to all.
Quality and accessible childcare facilities
In Cambodia, only 21% for children under 3 years of age are cared for in facilities supervised by early childhood professionals. The majority of toddlers whose parents both work are most often looked after by grandparents who are overwhelmed by the notions of awakening and development.
Our nurseries will offer services quality and affordable.
An opportunity for economic empowerment for women
Cambodian law requires companies with more than 100 employees to set up a childcare system. However, today, 72% of companies do not. This has an impact on the economic activity of women who are often forced to resign, but also on the family circle as a whole, since young children are often entrusted to the care of grandparents.
Providing childcare services to women also allows them to be economically empowered whilethey still provide 75% of unpaid domestic work. This project will allow women workers in the textile sector in Cambodia to find a better balance between private and professional life.
To go further :
> 1st results of our study on childcare in Cambodia (Nov 2019).
> The test phase of the crèche project for women textile workers: interview with Nathalie Dupont, Director of Planète Enfants & Développement in Cambodia (May 2019).
March 31, 2020
