By Tan May Li, World Vision Singapore
On 30 June 2009, over 100 World Vision supporters and friends gathered at the National Library for a special presentation on VisionFund, the microfinance subsidiary of World Vision.
Two guest speakers – Mr. Bora OmSeng, Executive Director of VisionFund Cambodia, and Ms. Paula Skilling, former head of Micro-enterprise Development at World Vision New Zealand, shared with participants how an investment in the poor through microfinance changed lives and helped break the cycle of poverty.
Bora shared his personal journey of growing up in a poor family in Cambodia, and how as a young man, he engaged in all kinds of activities – from scavenging and gambling, to selling candy and cigarettes; just to make a little money. Realising that this was both unhealthy and unsustainable, he worked hard to win a scholarship to university and eventually graduated with a degree in accounting. His journey eventually led him to the helm of VisionFund Cambodia where he works with his team to deliver financial services to poor entrepreneurs to help them work their way out of poverty.
While the lack of access to capital is a big obstacle preventing the poor from building better and healthier lives for themselves and their families, microfinance isn’t a silver bullet to end poverty. However, it is the integration with overall development work - as exemplified in the close partnership between World Vision and VisionFund, which builds up families and communities, strengthening them so that they can take charge of their futures and then equipping them with the means to do so. This is sustainable development.
To put faces to these concepts and outcomes, Paula introduced two ordinary yet remarkable women she had met in Cambodia. Veng and Phann Gna started with extremely little and the odds were stacked high against them. But with incredible determination, and help from VisionFund, both women have been able to develop thriving businesses. What they are most proud of though, isn’t the amount of money they are now able to earn, it is that they are now able to put their children in school and provide nutritious food. They are driven by their love for their children to succeed.
For more stories, watch a short video on the impact VisionFund is having on the lives of women in Cambodia.
Here’s what some participants had to say:
“The presentations were great and the presenters were upfront with all the information. Great examples of success stories and how VisionFund has turned lives around.”
- Ms. Teo Yi Ling, Baker & McKenzie
“This is something I’m definitely sharing with my friends! In finance, we’re always concerned about the bottom line. But here, we’re talking about helping people transform lives and with dignity. I hope to be part of this in some way.”
- Mr. Michael Chia, World Vision 30 HOUR FAMINE 2009 volunteer
“The stories from the field were really good and very interesting. Especially the integrated approach to microfinance. The holistic approach of World Vision and VisionFund makes sense.”
- Shaun, University of Michigan student
Interested to learn how you can be part of VisionFund? Why not join us on a VisionFund trip to Cambodia or Mongolia, and witness the impact a small loan can have on a family. Click here for more information and to register.
Thank you to everyone who took precious time to join us, and to the National Library for their generous venue sponsorship. To view photos from the event, please visit our fan page on Facebook.
If you missed this presentation, you can view the material that was shared by Mr. Bora OmSeng, Executive Director of VisionFund Cambodia, and Ms. Paula Skilling, former head of Micro-enterprise Development at World Vision New Zealand. .
We hope to see you at the next event!
