Nikita Handmade

In the rural Cambodian province of Kampong Speu, working opportunities are scarce and pay is minimal. Over 57% of people are living below the poverty line. Parents who are desperate to provide simple shelter and food for their children often approach loan sharks for loans that they can never hope to repay.

After repeated visits from loan sharks who threaten the family’s property and safety, a human trafficker will approach an impoverished family offering the hope of minimising their debt. Usually a daughter aged between 13-17 is offered ‘employment’ in a neighbouring country, most often Malaysia or Thailand. The information about the proposed job is minimal but alarmingly, many families willingly accept the offer. The community awareness of the dangers of cross-border migration, trafficking, sexual exploitation and abuse is disturbingly low and payment for their child offers the chance to repay a debt that they could otherwise never hope to pay off in their lifetime.

The trafficking rate offered to a parent for their child is around US$250.

Nikita has partnered with a unique group of Cambodian people that share our vision for fair work opportunities for people living in extreme poverty. The Nikita/SSF working relationship goes beyond the role of simply a customer or employer. Nikita offers the rare combination of real life business opportunities, safe and fair working arrangements and flexible expectations to accommodate the low local skill level and experience.

A big focus of our program is transferring skills; the opportunity for us to train the local community, provide ongoing mentoring and meaningful, real-life employment coaching.

Support our vision by purchasing one of our beautiful bags.