team
Mr. Kho Huoth, Chairperson Board of Directors
With more than 20 years experience, Mr. Huoth was active on disability within NGOs and government sector to advocate for the rights and the needs of poor and vulnerable people in Cambodia. Nowadays, he is a Disability Advisor within the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veteran and Youth Rehabilitation and within a local NGO. Since 2010, he has committed himself with other board members of CDMD to ensure transparency, accountability and credibility of the organization.
“I have studied Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) which aimed me increase capacity in working with people with disabilities in the community. CBR focuses on enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families, meeting basic needs and ensuring inclusion and participation. I recognize CDMD’s work that contributes to the promotion rights and equal opportunities of persons with disabilities through coordinating comprehensive CBR services. In a developing country like Cambodia, CDMD is very useful and important to ensure sustainability and community ownership.” - Kho Huoth
Mr. Nhip Thy, Executive Director
When in 1995 the CBR program - at that time administered by Maryknoll - extended its activities to Takeo province, Nhip Thy decided to join the program. Starting as a field supervisor travelling on his bike to visit clients and their families, over the years that the CBR program became allied with with Caritas he became coordinator. Nowadays as executive director he is one of the key members of the CDMD’s management committee.
“During the civil war I was a refugee living in one of the camps across the border in Thailand. As a medical nurse I saw many people injured. After treatment many of them became disabled. Seeing their need, I wanted to do more than provide medical help alone. What would happen if we gave them the opportunity to participate fully and equally in their family, community and society.” - Nhip Thy
Mr. San Sothorn, Finance and Admin Coordinator
As honesty, loyalty and dedication are of great importance to San Sothorn, he has been involved with the work of NGO’s since 1991. At first as supervisor of the rehabilitation and residential care of orphaned disabled children, later he became office assistant and bookkeeper with Maryknoll and Caritas. Nowadays, he is one of the key members of CDMD’s management committee.
“My story is one of survival and sacrifice. Although it is typical of millions of Khmers who lived during Pol Pot’s regime of terror, it is unique because it has happened to me. Being only 9-years-old I was separated from my parents and forced to live in another village as a nurse in a small hospital. When the Vietnamese invaded, the Khmer Rouge kidnapped me and took me into the jungle to care for their wounded soldiers. When my captors eventually fled, I was abandoned and found my way out of the jungle. Like something out of a Grimm Brothers fairy tale, I was able to return home by finding the axe marks on the trees I had made several months earlier. Today I am married to a wonderful woman and have three children.” - San Sothorn
Mr. Ket Thaknin, Livelihood Project Coordinator
Having a background as an official at the Development Rural Areas within the Ministry, Ket Thaknin has always been impressed by disability issues. In 1997 he joined the CBR program to be nearer to the heat of the fire: the people in need. As governing and liaison coordinator he is one of the key members of the CDMD’s management committee.
“Over the years I have worked with various international organisations offering help to families in rural areas and refugees, from supplying food to building camps. I have encountered problems relating to health, livelihood and illiteracy - as well as the lacking of involvement of the community itself. I believe that, although it is the task and responsibility of the government to take care of all civilians, in order to establish a successful CBR program the participation of local authorities is crucial. For a way forward everyone should be involved.” - Ket Thaknin
Mrs. Chan Dara, CBR Coordinator
Chan Dara started to work with CDMD’s program in 1993 - at that time under the umbrella of Maryknoll. From the beginning until today, she has been very happy with the opportunities to learn more. However, she was always focussing on people with disabilities and providing a good CBR service in Cambodia. Nowadays as CBR Coordinator she is one of the key members of CDMD’s management committee.
“Through lack of knowledge about and experience with disability many people feel hesitant towards interacting with people with a disability. CDMD is actively involved with public awareness campaigns to change this situation, and believes each culture should change both perceptions and attitudes towards disabled people. Being part of CDMD as an organisation, as well as this shift, makes me feel very proud. Its practical approach is strongly related to the approach of social responsibility. Creating an environment free of barriers should be incorporated into everyday thinking in society.” - Chan Dara
