From September 20 to 24, Hercules Paradiang, Heifer Philippines Country Director, made a co-mentoring visit to Heifer Cambodia. The main purpose of the visit was to promote SHGs to move toward second level organization (cooperative/farmer associations), and resource development of the Heifer Cambodia program – a step toward fundraising.

To promote public awareness and build relationships and collaboration for resource development, Hercules joined with Keo Keang (Cambodia Country Director) and Prak Somathy (Communication and Networking Manger) to meet with three potential Cambodian donors: Dan Church Aid (DCA), World Bank (WB), and Development Alternative Inc. (DAI).

“Heifer Cambodia program’s activities really fit with what WB wants to do,” Mr. Phan Sothea, Deputy Program Coordinator for Program to Enhance Capacity in Social Accountability (PECSA) of WB, said during the initial visit, adding, “What you (Heifer Cambodia program) have done is [the] same as [the] vision we have because I am involved in designing the [Livelihood Enhancement Association of the Poor] project.” Heifer Cambodia may be able to get some funding from the WB through the development market place developed by the Asia Foundation. The WB has a grant window for NGOs that Heifer Cambodia can use to link its partners and communities to these small grants.

In a meeting with DAI, Mr. Curtis Hundley, Chief of Party, said that DAI focuses its activities on five components, two of which are related to economic growth and value chain and can be worked into Heifer Cambodia’s program. As a result of the meeting, the two parties will coordinate an exchange visit to project sites to understand how the programs can cooperate. The co-mentoring visit also included a field trip to visit some SHGs.

In a reflection session with the Cambodia team after the field visits, Hercules stated that the groups were very productive, including factors such as livelihood improvement, clear goals, missions and dreams. Some groups have the potential to move to the second level. Lack of a group fund is one challenge in moving toward the formation of cooperatives or farmer associations.

The Heifer Philippines co-mentor also focused on the strength of Project Management Committees (PMCs) as they have a clear role in the Heifer Cambodia program. But the PMC leaders’ capacities and skills in facilitation and management still need improvement. Hercules also had a chance to interact with Heifer Cambodia staff to observe their strengths and areas for improvement to help them work even better.

At the end of the reflection meeting, an action plan was developed for implementation and follow-up during the next round of co-mentoring.

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What is Heifer Project International (HPI)?

Heifer Project International is one of many non governmental organization involved in rural development around the world. It works at the grass-root by providing animals and training to organized local groups that request assistance.