The Savings Program - the cornerstone of Tabitha's work - educates and encourages families to save money. This simple concept takes a family away from living day to day, and toward a path of planning for the future. Families quickly see the benefits that savings brings - the purchase of daily essentials moves rapidly into raising livestock (chicks or piglets) or buying a tool to earn income (a fishing net or sewing equipment). Before long, the family can afford a water well and a house.
Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world. Because they are struggling with extreme poverty, families typically do not have access to potable water for cooking or bathing; do not have a safe, secure home; cannot send children to school or attend to daily needs.
Each of Tabitha's programs developed from working closely with Cambodian communities and listening to their needs. Tabitha's integrated approach to community development has shown that Cambodian families will quickly and enthusiastically find a path to self-sufficiency and a better life.
On average, in only 5 to 7 years, a family "graduates" from the Savings Program and no longer needs Tabitha's support.
