To build inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient rural communities in Cambodia where women, men, and persons with disabilities can thrive as empowered entrepreneurs, enjoy decent work, and contribute to sustainable local economies.

1. Empower rural entrepreneurs—both women and men, including persons with disabilities—to achieve economic independence through inclusive, fair, and sustainable enterprises.
2. Promote gender equality and social inclusion by strengthening leadership, participation, and equitable opportunities for women and marginalized groups in rural economies.
3. Enhance climate resilience and green livelihoods through eco-friendly production, circular economy practices, and social protection measures that safeguard rural communities against shocks.

KCC Cambodia emerged from nearly two decades of grassroots development work led by Villageworks Cambodia, a social enterprise founded with a vision to empower rural communities through sustainable handicraft production.

Nineteen years ago, Villageworks began its mission in Kampong Thom province, creating opportunities for villagers—especially women—to earn fair income through weaving, sewing, wood carving, and embroidery. Over time, the organization expanded to five provinces (Kampong Thom, Kandal, Takeo, Phnom Penh, and others), engaging both home-based and workshop-based producers.

After operating independently for more than 12 years, Villageworks successfully built a network of local artisans and small family enterprises producing high-quality handmade bags and accessories from cotton, silk, and recycled materials, exported to international fair-trade markets.

Building on this experience, KCC (Khmer Craft Center) was conceptualized as the next phase of empowerment — a rural innovation and training hub based in Baray District, Kampong Thom. KCC aims to combine traditional crafts, sustainable farming (mulberry, kapok, and lotus fiber), and entrepreneurship to create inclusive and climate-resilient livelihoods for rural women, men, and persons with disabilities.

Through this evolution, KCC Cambodia has become both a symbol of heritage revival and a platform for modern social enterprise, linking Cambodian artisans to global fair-trade markets while strengthening rural communities from the ground up.

• Origin: Villageworks founded ~19 years ago.
• Growth: Expanded across provinces, focused on handicrafts and fair trade.
• Transition: Established Khmer Craft Center (KCC) in Baray to empower artisans and farmers.
• Current Focus: Inclusive entrepreneurship, decent work, and climate-resilient livelihoods.