Notes on the Real: Women of Hope

Garment workers getting off work

There are around 700,000 garment factory workers here in Cambodia, and the factories where they work produce clothing that is mostly exported to the West and represent brands such as Nike, Old Navy, and Rue 21 (just to name a few). Working in the factory is hard work. It is long hours in a hot building stitching the same couple inches hundreds of times a day. The factories are mostly young women. It is quite common for girls to quit school and lie about their age to work in the factory to help provide income for their families.

One of our close Khmer friends here in Cambodia grew up near the factory area and, after becoming a believer, felt burdened to go back and reach out to the workers. The ministry started very small, but over the last three years it has really flourished. Now the ministry encompasses a building providing English, Word studies, and counseling five days a week, as well as a dorm where girls who have left factory life now work to pursue intentional mentorship and other work, or additional education.

We have been continually impressed with the work they are doing at Women of Hope and feel really blessed to be able to help them with some special projects lately such as helping them with media projects and a training for their teachers (girls who have left factory work to live in the dorm, but return in the evenings to teach factory workers English or the Word).

Below are some pictures of some of our times together.

-Melissa

One of the classes of garment factory workers. In the evening there is instruction offered in hour blocks. Each hour there is two to four classes taking place.