Empowering Livelihoods

The Problem: Persistent Poverty in Rural Cambodia

Despite Cambodia's economic growth, a significant portion of its population, especially in rural areas like Siem Reap province where Trailblazer operates, remains trapped in extreme poverty. With over 26% of people in Siem Reap province—one of Cambodia's poorer regions—living below the international poverty line of USD $2.15/day, and many earning far less, rural villagers endure severe economic hardship. The unfortunate irony is that while millions of tourists visit Siem Reap's iconic Angkor Wat annually, very little of that economic benefit reaches these nearby communities, leaving them without the financial support necessary to escape subsistence living. 

Trailblazer's Solution: Empowering Through Village Funds

To combat entrenched poverty, Trailblazer empowers rural communities to manage their own Village Fund micro-finance programs. We provide essential technical and financial guidance, enabling villagers to access small amounts of capital crucial for starting or expanding businesses, or investing in vital needs like livestock or healthcare. Additionally, villagers who receive our assistance in other areas, such as wells or water filters, are required to make a small contribution to the Fund. This ensures our work directly helps capitalize these funds, fostering self-reliance rather than dependency. By promoting these self-sustaining, community-owned funds, Trailblazer helps unlock economic opportunities and builds a path toward long-term sustainability.