Report on Workshop on Development of Self-Help Group Network on Intellectual Disability in Cambodia Workshop on Development of Self-help Group Network on Intellectual Disability in Cambodia Organized by Disability Action Council (DAC) of Cambodia Komar Pikar Foundation (KPF) in Collaboration with Ministry of Social Affairs Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MOSVY) of Cambodia Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) 15-17 November 2011 Phnom Penh, Cambodia Contents: Keywords Background Summary Program Participants Interview Presentations Find ## to go to next content ## Keywords 1. Intellectual Disability (ID): Intellectual disability is a broad concept encompassing various intellectual deficits. Intellectual disability is increasingly being used as a synonym for the term mental retardation which was used as standard medical references in the past. 2. Self-help Groups (SHGs): Self-Help Groups are informal groups of people who come together to address their common problems. Self-help groups can serve many different purposes depending on the situation and the need. 3. Self-Advocacy: Self-advocacy refers to the civil rights movement for persons with intellectual disabilities and other disabilities. A self-advocacy movement is about persons with disabilities speaking up for themselves. Self-advocate/Group is those who conduct these activities. 4. Dao Ruang Group: Dao Ruang Group is the first self-advocacy group in Thailand as well as in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. A dish washing liquid produced by Dao Ruang Group is called “Sai Ning (clean and clear in Thai)”. 5. Unity Group: First self-advocacy group in Myanmar 6. Rose Group: First self-advocacy group in Cambodia 7. Parents Association for Children with Intellectual Disability (PACHID) PACHID is a Family Group who has children with intellectual disabilities in Cambodia. 8. Komar Pikar Foundation (KPF): KPF is a non-profit organization in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. KPF works for children and youth with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities, by creating nurturing partnerships with other organizations in the disability sectors. 9. Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MOSVY): MOSVY is the government ministry in charge of disability in Cambodia. 10. Disability Action Council (DAC): DAC was established in 1997 as the national coordination and advisory mechanism on disability issues in Cambodia. ## Background With support from the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), the first group of self-advocates with ntellectual disabilities in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, “Dao Ruang Group (marigold in Thai)” was successfully established in Thailand in March 2009. “Dao Ruang Group” continued to gain knowledge on how to conduct meetings, leadership and management of the group in cooperation with APCD. Dao Ruang Group became resource persons for the first time to support a workshop in Myanmar in 2010. The first group of self-advocates with intellectual disability in Myanmar, “Unity Group” was established. The idea of the workshop was based on the request by the Komar Pikar Foundation in Cambodia. In response, “Dao Ruang Group” and “Unity Group” joined hands to share their knowledge to set up a group in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The preparatory group consisted of the selected 3 groups including their family and supporters from each country, with technical support from APCD. The preparatory group analyzed the target groups in Cambodia, designed a program to establish the first self-help group in Cambodia. The preparatory group considered how self-advocate group, supporters and family members could work together to manage its group operation as well as to maximize impacts on awareness-raising on intellectual disability in their communities. At the same time, some self-advocates in Cambodia had little or no speech. Therefore, a range of communication tools were needed to let them express their opinions, such as body languages, gestures, speech-attempts by supporters, drawings, post-it and photos, among others. Finally, the workshop was arranged to establish the first self-help group on intellectual disability in Cambodia, to make the movement on intellectual disability recognized by the Government of Cambodia and relevant stakeholders in Cambodia, and to strengthen collaboration among representatives from Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. diagram: Triangle Collaboration Strategy Self Advocate with Intellectual Disability (Organizing Group, Income Generation etc.), Families (Support, Provide Fund etc.), and Supporters (Support, Facilitation etc.) are related ## Summary Establishing “Rose Group”, the First Ever Self-help Group of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Cambodia The Workshop on Development of Self-help Group Network on Intellectual Disability in Cambodia was co-organized by the Disability Action Council (DAC) of Cambodia and the Komar Pikar Foundation (KPF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MOSVY) of Cambodia, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at the Phnom Penh Hotel from 15 to 17 November 2011. The Workshop brought together 100 Cambodians, including persons with intellectual disabilities, family members, NGO staff and government of?cials. H.E. Ith Sam Heng, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation of Cambodia delivered the opening speech as the chairperson of the ceremony after H.E. Mr. Sompong Sanguanbun, Ambassador of Royal Thai Embassy delivered the opening remark. Throughout the Workshop, visual tools such as photos and drawings were utilized to share the ideas and non-verbal communication of participants with intellectual disabilities. The resource persons from “Dao Ruang Group (self-help group of persons with intellectual disabilities in Thailand)” and “Unity Group (self-help group of persons with intellectual disabilities in Myanmar)” shared knowledge about self-advocacy, roles of supporters, and information about income generation activities with the Cambodian participants. One of the major outcomes of the Workshop was the establishment of “Rose Group”, the ?rst ever self-help group of persons with intellectual disabilities in Cambodia. The Workshop concluded with the phrase “ID (intellectual disability) WE CAN”. ## Program What Did We Do? Day 1: 15 November 2011 07:30-08:30 Registration 08:30-09:30 Opening Ceremony 09:30-10:00 Tea Break 10:00-12:00 Introduction Activity by Komar Pikar Foundation Staffs 12:00-13:00 Lunch 13:00-17:00 (15:00-15:30 Break) What is Self Help Group (SHG) for Intellectual Disability (ID)? Room 1: Self Advocates Group -What is SHG for ID? -Our Dream Kite! -Q&A Room 2: Family Group -What is SHG for ID? -International Movement and National Movement ID -Q&A Day 2: 16 November 2011 08:30-09:00 Registration and Review of Day 1 09:00-12:00 (10:00-10:30 Break) Room 1: Self Advocates: Setting Up a Group! Room 2: Family -Role of Family (30 min) -Family from Thailand -Family from Myanmar -Family from Cambodia -Q&A and Discussion 12:00-13:00 Lunch 13:10-16:45 (15:15-15:45 Break) Show Time! Income Generation Demonstration -Thai Team -Myanmar Team 16:45-17:00 Conclusion of Day 2 Day 3: 17 November 2011 08:30-09:00 Review of Day 2 09:00-12:00 (10:00-10:30 Break) Action Plan Development Room 1: Self Advocates Room 2: Family 12:00-13:00 Lunch 13:00-13:30 Grass Roots Cooperation 13:30-15:30 (15:15-15:30 Break) Action Plan Presentation -Self Advocates Presentation 15:30-17:00 Closing Ceremony & Certificate ## List of participants Cambodia Capacity Building of people with Disability in the CommUnity Group Organization (CABDICO) CHEA PHEAROM NGO LONG EY NGO Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CCAMH) PHANNY ZA NGO Cambodian Development Mission for Disabiltiy (CDMD) YAV SIN Family Member NHIP THY NGO KOY SOPHEAP Person with Intellectual Disability Cambodian Disabled People’s Organisation (CDPO) CHHAY THIDA NGO NGIN SAORATH NGO Centro Italiano Aiuti all’Infania (CIAI) ANDEA BROGGl NGO Cambodia Indigenous Youth Association (CIYA) KEE MARY NGO Cambodia Trust (CT) SOUN CHANTHY NGO Disability Development Services Program (DDSP) YOEM SARET Family Member PHENG SAMNANG NGO TEP BUNTHA NGO Epicart SOUN THAN Family Member Friend International RATHANA SREYSROS Person with Intellectual Disability SOK SAMBO Person with Intellectual Disability HAGAR Cambodia RY SAMON Family Member HUN CHANDOEUN NGO Handicap International Belgium (HIB) CHEN SOPHEAP NGO Komar Pikar Foundation (KPF) CHHOUM SREY Family Member CHRENG MOM Family Member KIM GUECH Family Member YOEM RASIN Family Member CHEA SYNA NGO CHEAV HENG NGO CHHEM SOKUN NGO CHHEM VUTHY NGO CHHRON CHANPHAK NGO ELEANOR CHESSOR NGO HENG SOPHON NGO KHUY SAMPHUOS NGO KONG SOKHOM NGO KONG VICHETRA NGO MEAGAN SAVILLE NGO NGOUV BUNTHENG NGO SAN MANY NGO SAO NAVY NGO SOEUN SAVATH NGO SOK CHANRA NGO SREY SOMALY NGO THOUNG SREY NUCH NGO TO CHANTHENG NGO VOUN SOPHA NGO Krosar Thmey (KT) KHIEV CHETRA NGO SEANG SELOROSK NGO VOEUN SAMNANG NGO MARUHAN JAPAN BANK Plc. OEUNG GUECH SIM Family Member UCH CHAN CHETANA Family Member MEDICAM Cambodia HAM HAK NGO Primary Education Department/Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) CHEA CHANTHIK Government HIM SARIN Government Ministry of Health (MoH) KIM SAVUON Government POL VY Government Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY) CHENG DARAVUTH Government EM CHAN MAKARA Government HE.CHHAY VANNA Government HE.Dr. ITH SAM HENG Government HE.PHRAK CHAN THOEUN Government HE.ROS ROEUN Government MOUL CHHORN Government SANETH VATHANA Government SREY SEHEING Government TIEV MAKTEL Government National Borei for Infants and Children (NBIC) PENH SREY ROTH Family Member KONG MALAY NGO RATH SREYMOM Person with Intellectual Disability RATH SREYTHOUCH Person with Intellectual Disability National Centre of Diaabled Persons (NCDP) SOU SOEUN Family Member CHHOM SOK NGO New Humanity (NH) CHENG CHANDY NGO CHOM SOPHA NGO Operations Enfants du Cambodge (OEC) KIM THON Family Member LOCH SAMBO NGO Parent Association for Children with Intellectual Disabalities (PACHID) KHIVE CHANMOLY Family Member NHOUNG DARAVY Family Member SVAY SIMORN Family Member SIMORN VIYA NUP Person with Intellectual Disability YOEUNG SYCHAN Person with Intellectual Disability Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE) CHEA THAVY Family Member KIM VANDY NGO Special Olympic MEN BUNTHY Family Member SEK MAROUM Family Member EK AMARA NGO HUY HOUNG NGO ANN PISETH Person with Intellectual Disability VIBOL PHANHA Person with Intellectual Disability Trotrung ning Akpiwat Sahakum Krey Kror (TASK) SEM CHANTHAN Family Member VONG REAT Family Member YA THARY NGO NOUN TITHAY Person with Intellectual Disability SOUN CHANVEHA Person with Intellectual Disability Veteran International-Cambodia (VI-C) YO KYO NGO Media HAO HENG JIAN HOA DAILY MOM KUNTHEA PP. POST Myanmar Unity Group MIN SWE HTET Person with Intellectual Disability KUANG HTET NAING Person with Intellectual Disability YI MARTIN Supporter SALAI VANNI BAWI Supporter THAN ZAW Family Member Thailand Dao Ruang Group PHACHARIN SUJARITWATANASAK Person with Intellectual Disability VASIN SRISAWANG Person with Intellectual Disability NARONGRIT WATTANA-IABPHAN Person with Intellectual Disability SUGUNYA SRISAWANG Supporter Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) SOMCHAI RUNGSILP International Training Manager JASPER ROM Networking Manager KATSUJI ONODA JICA Chief Advisor YOKO ISOBE JICA Expert on International Training THACHAKORN KOKONG JICA Secretary PATCHARA PONSRI JICA Secretary ## Interview speech by H.E Dr. Ith Sam Heng, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY) In relation to persons with intellectual disabilities, limited attention is given to them in some families within communities in the country, in comparison with persons with physical disabilities. On behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation , I strongly motivate all disability service providers and pay more attention in a collaborative manner to ensure this group of vulnerable people are overlooked in present and future social development and programs. I would like to recommend to all of you to consider the following: 1. Discuss more deeply about the workshop topic related to development of self-help groups network on intellectual disability in Cambodia; 2. Explore ways and approaches to ensure that development of self-help group network on intellectual disability to become more progress through out Cambodia and addressing their basic needs; 3. Parent and guardians of children with intellectual disabilities must be committed to self-help groups and represent an active role model in society through exchanging experiences from neighboring countries, such as Myanmar and Thailand for those have this kind of experience of developing self-help group network on intellectual disability 4. Collaborate in establishing and supporting for the strong network including self-help group of persons with intellectual disabilities; 5. National and international NGOs working in disability must consider and include children with intellectual disabilities in their strategic plan; 6. National and international NGOs working in disability continue to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport in providing education for children with disabilities effectively and set up special classes for children with intellectual disabilities; 7. Continue to strengthen collaboration with other countries, especially neighboring countries such as Myanmar and Thailand in order to exchange experiences towards supporting persons with disabilities, especially those with intellectual disabilities. Once again, on behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation would like to call for support from Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen to pay more attention and start developing network and self-help group of persons with intellectual disabilities which to start just after the completion of the workshop along with our responsibility and bring more benefits for persons with intellectual disabilities as well as the whole society. With your strong cooperation and high determination of yours, I strongly believe that all children with intellectual disabilities access to their rights towards their potential and fully participation in society. Interview Ms. Phacharin Sujaritwatanasak Leader, Dao Ruang Group, Thailand I’m very happy to help setting up the Rose Group of Cambodia. I didn’t expect that they can set-up because some of them are children but they did it! I suggest that the Rose Group have constant meetings. They have a good leader who is also good in writing. They can communicate with our group through Facebook. For next steps, Dao Ruang Group will develop our members and train new leaders. For Rose Group, I suggest they do fundraising activities to support their organization. For my message, government agencies in Cambodia should support SHG of persons with intellectual disabilities more. Mr. Narongrit Wattana-Iabphan Sub-Leader, Dao Ruang Group, Thailand From this workshop, I gained more knowledge, more friends, more experiences. It was very exciting to be a resource person for the first time. I would like to support Dao Ruang Group more and more and I would also like to support other groups on intellectual disability such as the newly formed Rose Group of Cambodia. I wish the Rose Group will become strong and have more members. I also wish that there will be no more flooding in Thailand. Mr. Min Swe Htet Leader, Unity Group, Myanmar I’m very happy to be here, now I have a chance to speak out and be confident to stand in front of many people. As a next step, it is important to develop strong linkages between Unity Group, Dao Ruang Group and Rose Group. For Unity Group, our next plan is to start a juice business in schools. My message to everyone is “don’t give up!”. Also, please organize more workshops like this. Ms. Loch Sambo Leader, Rose Group, Cambodia I am very happy to meet many friends and teachers in the workshop. I wish I can eat a lot of food. I request teachers to help me to develop more skills. Ms. Srey Sros Secretary, Rose Group, Cambodia I was happy to have many friends, played games during workshop. I wish to have income through Rose Group activity. Wish to have many delicious food! Mr. Chandi Cheng Program Manager, New Humanity Organization, Cambodia I have been working with children with intellectual disabilities in rural areas for 10 years. The way to teach them is not so easy and you have to be very specific in the things you want to improve. An example is to show concretely how to wear clothes which can take up to 3 months. Either way, the key is continuously encouraging children with intellectual disabilities to learn even if it is a long process. This workshop is very interesting with the presence of parents, a lot of exchanges on first hand experiences, and expression of interest and support from various organizations. However, it is always challenging to sustain self-help groups. There are over 2,000 self-help groups in Cambodia and sustainability is always a concern. There’s also a common issue where many SHG don’t know what they’re doing. It is then very important to define what are the support mechanisms for SHG. SHG can be good if NGOs and parents are facilitating. This is especially true with the newly formed Rose Group of Cambodia. For next steps, I suggest APCD to help developing a clear idea or strategy on how to work with persons with intellectual disabilities in education, self-help skills, communication skills and using specific tools for each skill. Developing global perspectives on intellectual disability and how to work effectively with parents is also very important. Mr. Salai Vanni Bawi Supporter, Unity Group, Myanmar This is a very valuable information gathering program. We can see other objectives from other countries with good practical learning styles. Even if time is limited and some difficulties to communicate, I learned a lot about SHG here. For next steps, it is important especially for supporters to continue communicating and exchanging ideas thru email or facebook. We need to establish good networks with other organizations and help market products of persons with intellectual disabilities. For parents, organizing continued activities is vital. For SHG of ID, learning from each other on site thru exposure trips is also important. I would like to say don’t give up even in the face of enormous difficulties. I also call upon parents and supporters to cooperate more in helping persons with intellectual disabilities. Mr. Tep Buntha Disability Development Services Program (DDSP), Cambodia I think the workshop enabled government to understand clearly about ID. Our organization has created SHGs for other disabilities. We try to involve more parents. Attending the workshop is just a first step, and not enough. We will do more trainings for parents. Mr. Jav Heng Family Member of Children with ID and Staff of Komar Pikar Foundation (KPF), Cambodia I have never been to any workshop focusing on persons with intellectual disabilities. I would like to persuade Cambodian parents to join us. I strongly hope that existing parents’ group will improve more, despite funding is the issue. Ms. Huy Hung Special Olympic, Cambodia The workshop enabled parents to get involved more and disseminate what they have learnt to other parents. I want to form another group of young people with intellectual disabilities. I would like to learn more about dish washing liquid like Dao Ruang Group. ## Presentation presentation 1 By: Ms. Phacharin Sujaritwatanasak, Mr. Narongrit Wattana-Iabphan Organization: Dao Ruang Group, Thailand on Dao Ruang Self Advocacy Group 1. The group consisting of persons with intellectual disability. 2. Understand for our own rights, and create ID friendly society. 3. Each ID member has a role; leader, sub leader, secretary, accountant, PR, service provider and registration. Leader Ms. Som Accountant Ms. Bee Sub-Leader Mr. Oat PR Ms. Naat our aims!! To make friends! To develop capacities of members! Fund raising! Creating harmony among members! Do creative activities! Enjoy sharing opinions! Networking! Enjoyable Meeting! image of Mr. Wasin is introducing himself to new member Promise During Meeting Be quiet when others are sharing their opinions Be on time Raise hand when you want to speak up! Switch off mobile during meeting Always have commitment!!!! Fund raising! (dish washing liquid) images of members making dish washing liquid Enjoyable Field Trip!!! image of Members enjoying themselves at Hua Hin Beach Help setting up group in Myanmar images of groups discussion Leader’s role Answer questions from members Plan and monitor activities Think about what’s best for society always Understand member’s rights Express member’s opinions to parents, supporters and others Conduct committee meeting Create new activities for the group Coordination presentation2 By: Mr. Min Swe Htet Organization: Unity Group, Myanmar on UNITY Self Advocacy Group Objectives and Vision Vision.... All members must get happiness in community and to become part of decision maker in community. Objectives: To enhance good relationship between team members. To become advocates in community. To understand persons with intellectual disabilities and their needs among families. To encourage and help each other in community. To give a chance to address ID’s wishes in community.   Activities Assists Special education Teachers from SDC Prevocational products Coffee Shop images of members working on products Art Mirror images of members drawing and making handicraft SILK SCREEN PRINTING images of shirts with screen images Coffee shop images of unity coffee shop HAND MADE PRODUCTS images of shows case of unity products Meeting images of members brainstorming during meeting Group Decision images of members during meeting Products &Photos Exhibitation images of products at fairs presentation 3 by By: Dr. Yoko Isobe Organization: Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability Day 2: Let’s set up a group! 13Steps to think about when developing a group 1. Introducing yourself: Who are YOU? 2. Do YOU want to form a group? Why? 3. What do you expect from the new group? 4. What can the group expect from YOU? 5. What is the name of the group? 6. Who should be entitled to become a member of the group?(e.g. certain ages?) 7. What should people have to pay to become a member? 8. Should there be any people on the committee with special responsibilities? (e.g. leader, sub-leader, secretary, treasurer) If so, how will these people be chosen or elected? 9. What sorts of things should the committee be responsible for? 10. How often should the committee meet? 11. Are there any particular rules that should be set? 12. How should the money and property of the Group be looked after? 13. What activities the new group will do? “We are Rose Group! Let’s ACT!” presentation 4: Secret Recipe of Dao Ruang Group’s Herbal Dish Washing Liquid Secret Recipe of Dao Ruang Group’s Herbal Dish Washing Liquid Magical Ingredients 200 grams of ripe tamarind 10 kaffir limes some tea leaves 1kilogram of shampoo which contains N70 1,000 grams of liquid to remove stain 300 grams of sodium chloride 100 grams of baking powder 1ounce of lemon fragrance 7 liter of water 1 ounce of preservative 200 grams of glycerin Magical Recipe 1. Boil the ripe tamarind and kaffir limes in a heated 6 liter water. Heat until water became dark brown, then , take out tamarind and taffir limes, leave it until cool. 2. Pour 1 liter of boiled water into tea leaves, heat it for a while. Take out tea leaves, and leave it until cool. 3. In a plastic tank, mix 1. essential shampoo, 2. clean liquid and 3 sodium chloride until the color becomes white. 4. Mix all 1-3. 5. Mix 1 liter of water and rising power. 6. Pour 4 little by little into 5. 7. Mix glycerin, preservative, essence and stir them softly until they are mixed perfectly until bubbles disappear. 8. Now, ready to put into the bottles, put label, and sell them!! presentation 5 by: Ms. Phacharin Sujaritwatanasak, Mr. Vasin Srisawang, Mr. Narongrit Wattana-Iabphan and Ms. Sugunya Srisawang Organization: Dao Ruang Group, Thailand on Dish washing liquid: a true story of dao ruang revolution image of dao ruang timeline image of dao ruang members coming up with idea image of dish washing liquid process image of dish washing liquid product image of dao ruang dish washing liquid brochure