Handcrafted in Siem Reap, Cambodia
The founder of AOCO are Joseph and Anna Teo. They started their journey in 1997, reaching out to ex-addicts by providing employment opportunities and reducing the income gap for the marginalized communities. Now, they have expanded their social enterprise into our neighbouring countries at Siem Reap, Cambodia, looking out to empower the Youth and the Women.
The founders provided a platform for their Cambodian girls to grow and developed skills in craftwork and sewing. Through the community programs, they were exposed to quality standards and marketable international designed merchandise. Before our partners stepped in, the Cambodian artisans' wages were US$0.35 per hourly rate. Our partners improved their living wage by 4 times, to US$1.50 per hourly rate, providing them an opportunity to have a better standard of living, bridging the gap of poverty.
I cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. – Mother Teresa
Like a tree, poverty has many roots. But among the many causes of global poverty, one factor stands out: education. Those living below the poverty line are often unlikely to send their children to school, which means that their future generation will also have a greater risk of living in poverty. Education can open the door to jobs, resources, and skills that a family needs to not just survive, but thrive. We believe access to high-quality primary education and supporting child well-being is a solution to break way from poverty.
A Learning Centre was set up in the outskirts of Siem Reap, Trupiangse Village Cambodia. The aim was to provide education (English and Mathematics) for children aged 6 to 15 years old. With you as our community funders, we are able to sponsor 30 students. With the learning centre, the children are able to practice social, emotional, cognitive and communication skills. With this basic knowledge, we hope they will one day be able to integrate into public schools.