About the project

The aim of this project is to improve the opportunities available and future livelihoods for the children who live at Arrupe as well as developing the Centre's sustainability. By making the long-term investment of purchasing a building, the Centre will be able to expand its socio-economic activities, provide employment and training opportunities and generate the funds required to maintain the Centre into the future. Since the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang's human and spiritual development projects are interconnected, income raised through these activities may also go towards supporting other initiatives, such as the Outreach Program and the Karuna Education Program.

This activity will focus on developing a more solid structure for the future of the Arrupe family. It will include implementing socio-economic activities such as planting and farming 30 hectares of rice fields, the produce from which will be used to feed children living at the Centre and also sold to generate income. Purchasing a van for the Centre will serve the dual purpose of taking children to school and other activities, as well as being available for hire by social enterprises such as Oh Battambang Hotel to create further income for the running of the Centre. By investing in longterm assets, such as a building in Battambang city, the Centre will also be able to establish new social enterprise initiatives to create more employment and provide further capacity building to those in need, at the same time as ensuring its future.

Youth leadership training

Support young Cambodian students to participate in training on community development or pastoral leadership in the Catholic Church. Three future leaders of the social and pastoral activities of the Catholic Church in Battambang will be sent to study an extensive course at the Institute of Formation Fondacio Asia, in Manila.

The leadership programs have a pragmatic approach, emphasising practical learning. After participants return from training, they be well equipped to lead in the Arrupe community, share their learnings and build the capacity of other youth at the Centre.