On March 06, 2023, Mr. Hong Reaksmey, Country Director of Save the Children paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Vong Sauth, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation .
In this meeting, Mr. Reaksmey informed H.E. Vong Sauth on the works of Save the Children in the field of social affairs, including; early childhood programs that focused on positive parenting and education, child rights governance and child protection programs, education, child poverty reduction programs that focused on improving family livelihoods an social humanitarian assistance, including social protection and social assistance.
Moreover, Mr. Reaksmey informed H.E. Vong Sauth on the 21-months extension of the Family Care First Project with from January 1, 2024 to September 2025, funded by the USAID. He requested the Minister to continue his support and advise on the “Family Care First” project to continue contributing to the diversion and closure of Residential Care Institutions as well as to prevent the separation of children from families, alternative care for family, and the permanent plan, and to provide the capacity building for social services workforce. He also asked the Minister to increase the national budget to accelerate the social assistance mechanism that places children at heart and supports resources to the social service workforce.
In response, H.E. Vong Sauth expressed his appreciation and highly valued Save the Children’s cooperation and past work. He also responded positively with full support towards the suggestions raised and encouraged the senior leaders of Save the Children to continue the dialogue with the specialized units on the detailed technical work at the ministry level. In addition, the Minister highlighted the efforts made by the government in the field of social protection, especially the transfer of cash to families with ID Poor, families affected by Covid-19 and families affected by the floods, totaling of more than one million families.