Phnom Voah Training Centre & Hotel

Since the development and implementation of the Phnom Voah Farming project in Cambodia in 2014, Catholic Mission has seen the growth of a self-sustaining, organic, life-giving farm. Its primary goal has been to evangelise through development, creating a safe, nurturing space for families to visit, students to learn, and community members to gain employment.

The farm has employed over 20 community members and provides vital practical experience opportunities for the 66 agriculture students studying at St Francis Technical High School (St Francis) which is located a short way from the farm. St Francis also teaches hospitality and tourism courses, and while the Phnom Voah Farm has a restaurant that a handful of students can attend for work experience, the school does not currently have a reliable placement opportunity for these students.

The proposed project seeks to create a training centre and hotel which provides a place of safety and calm for all who choose to visit. Hospitality and tourism students at St Francis will attend work experience at the centre, supporting visitors as they learn how to apply their lessons to real-life situations. The project requires purchasing 5 hectares of land including its current facilities, which will cost $1,317,530 AUD.

The first phase of this project includes the purchase of land. Catholic Mission funding will cover the cost of purchasing the property which includes the buildings, pool, restaurant, gardens etc.

The second phase will be supported by donors from Missions Etrangères de Paris (MEP) and private donors from Singapore, which will cover the costs of renovations, initial operating costs and the construction of 10 additional bungalows throughout the grounds.

The third and final phase is to staff the Training Centre and Hotel. Staff members will include individuals from St Paul’s Institute, the Catholic University in Cambodia, and work placement students from St Francis as a part of their continued studies.

In 2022, the farm began its Impact Investing journey with Catholic Mission and the trend of increasing income continued with $137,033.74 USD* generated through sales of produce, and visitors to the farm and restaurant. The original funding of $400,000 USD has been redistributed to this new project.