Cambodia: Battambang Textile Association for People with Disabilities

Battambang Textile Association for People with Disabilities (BTAPD) aims to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and women in vulnerable situations through its textile center in Battambang, Cambodia. The initiative, supported by the NGO SAUCE and its local counterpart, the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang, provides training and employment opportunities in the knitwear industry. The project focuses on fostering economic subsistence, professional development, and social inclusion for people facing challenges due to disability or poverty. The textile center has offered jobs to over 125 employees, 40% of whom have disabilities, though it faced setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The center’s social brand, Mutitaa, launched in 2021, reinforces its mission by maintaining employment during off-peak seasons and generating revenue for reinvestment in social projects. The brand connects customers with the employees' stories, enhancing awareness and creating a high social impact. The initiative's current proposal seeks to secure $30,000 for training and employing 12 vulnerable individuals, aiming to ensure long-term financial sustainability and improve living conditions for beneficiaries. This model promotes skill development, economic empowerment, social integration, and the potential for future expansion as demand increases.