How do StarKids donations change lives?
In 2016, funds raised through StarKids are supporting 11 community-based development projects across Australia and southeast Asia.
These projects cover a range of activities, from education and leadership development with Australian Indigenous communities, through to child protection and improving health and incomes in countries such as Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Ravy and her family, from rural Cambodia, are among thousands of families who have already benefited.
While her family has always worked hard on their land, it’s only now they are finally reaping the rewards, thanks to a StarKids-supported business development project.
Before, they grew just two crop varieties: green beans and chillies. “I had no idea what to grow on the land before. I just wanted to follow the traditional style,” explained Ravy.
But after learning new farming techniques and receiving support to plant new crop varieties, the family’s farm is bursting with long beans, cucumbers, eggplants, spinach, melons and pumpkins. They have also planted 200 fruit trees on their land.
Ravy and her husband are among thousands of farmers across nine provinces in Cambodia learning how to improve their production and work together in farmer co-ops so they can increase their incomes and give their children a better life.
Co-op members learn business skills and also how to process their raw produce into products such as fruit juice that they can sell for a higher price.
Local World Vision worker Lum Orng says one of the most exciting things about this project is how it brings neighbours together to boost production and sell their produce collectively.
“I am excited to see these changes in the community,” he says.