About Battambang Trade School

There has always been a great need for trained seamstresses to work in the garment industry of Cambodia; which is the largest employer in Cambodia's economy. In 2001, KFCI (an NGO) was looking for a partner to help establish a school to provide free training to village girls to learn the sewing trade. Three Rotary Clubs from Colorado became involved and the Battambang Trade School was founded and sponsored by these Clubs.

These village girls have very little formal education because of the extreme poverty, and the need to help support their families. Unfortunately, they are unable to find meaningful employment without training. As a result, many of the women are recruited to work as beer girls in the small restaurants and cafes and then pressured into a life of prostitution. Sad to say; but, in some instances fathers actually sell their own daughters to the recruiters.  With training as a seamstress, they are able to find meaningfule employment to support themselves and their families.

Khmer Krafts was established to provide an opportunity for many of these girls trained at the Battambang Trade School.