What It Looks Like to Support Us

The OECD Development Assistance Committee warns that development programs relying entirely on outside funding often struggle to survive once donor cycles end. Allowing local training centers to set modest course fees creates a revenue stream that covers materials, pays for operational costs, and supports continued outreach. This approach reduces dependency on donor funding and builds financial resilience.

According to research from the World Bank, cost‑recovery models at the community level often lead to greater ownership, better resource management, and a stronger commitment to maintaining services. The Harvard Business Review has also documented that programs with diversified income streams—especially those that allow local stakeholders to contribute financially—tend to have greater longevity and local buy‑in.

By enabling our partner training centers to generate their own funding, we help them create a stable foundation for delivering training year after year without interruption.

Research published in the International Journal of Community Development consistently shows that initiatives led by local leaders achieve higher adoption rates and longer‑term survival than those driven entirely by outside actors. Local instructors have cultural credibility and can adapt training in ways that are contextually relevant and trusted.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reports that locally led programs are more resilient during crises because they are deeply connected to the communities they serve and can adapt quickly to changing needs. The World Bank also emphasizes that empowering local leaders strengthens social capital—the trust, networks, and norms that make communities work together effectively.

When Khmer instructors own and lead the training, it ensures not only that the knowledge is passed on accurately, but also that it is delivered in a way that resonates deeply with the people. This creates a long‑term impact that persists for generations.