Menu

About Kamboo Project

Vision

Cambodian women and men work together for an autonomous and secure future. We support them.

Mission Statement

We are a young, results-driven Swiss NGO of high integrity. Thanks to our project experience and passionate commitment, we ensure, in close cooperation with local partners, that donations and volunteer work support the people in Cambodia effectively and sustainably.

Who we are

Kamboo Project was established in September 2014 as a Swiss charitable organization under the name «United Asia Charity». In the run up to this, initiator Enzo Sportelli had experienced how much can be achieved for the people in Cambodia with only a few resources if you get engaged and deliver with passion. In January 2017 the Board has been upgraded by adding experienced members to strengthen the organization. Since September 2018 we are Kamboo Project.

Together, we work passionately for the rural Cambodian population in order to improve their living conditions for the long term. Since 2014, we have been implementing projects in the provinces of Siem Reap and Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia. In addition to this clear geographical focus, we limit our activities to three core areas where we can have the most impact: drinking water and sanitation, sustainable construction and renovation, and education. Kamboo Project follows the guideline "help for self-help" -  our projects enable the people to help themselves and improve their living conditions in the medium to long term.

Legal form: association / tax status: eligible for deduction from income tax / State-licensed NGO of Cambodia

Executive Board Switzerland

Our organization and governance consist of two parts that complement each other. We manage project strategy, fundraising, administration and use of funding and donations, information technology, legal, finance and audit from Switzerland (headquarter: Zurich). Our operational center, including project management, liaison with authorities and voluntary work, is located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. In doing so, we pay attention to the fact that at least one member of the Board of Management is always on the ground in Asia during the launch of an important project or project stream. Accounting and controlling are strictly implemented locally.

Where we operate

For effective assistance that yields as many synergies and as much support as possible, we focus on the Cambodian provinces of Siem Reap and Banteay Meanchey. Banteay Meanchey, less known, has a total of about 680'000 inhabitants. In the current phase, Kamboo Project mainly supports the community of Sang Kat Nimitt with a population of 19'388 people. The district is home to 15 villages where our projects are used. In the province of Siem Reap, appr. 15 miles outside the well-known provincial capital, we help build up community life in the two villages of Kouksrok and Anchanh.

(*1971, Swiss & German), teacher and trained scientist. Head of our Finance Committee and Co-Head of our Projects & Programmes Committee. Quote:"Material aid is one gratifying aspect. The magic of giving back the smile to an elderly lady or a student an even greater good. There is nothing quite like my time spent with Kamboo Project in Cambodia."

Thomas Gilbert
President

(*1992, Swiss), Chief Technology Officer, Head of IT and Member of Kamboo Project’s Finance Committee and Co-Head of our Marketing, Communication & Media committee. Founder of KDT-Solutions. Quote: "With drive and efficiency you can achive a lot which gives you a a great feeling."

Kim Thurnherr
Vice President/IT manager

(*1970, Swiss), Ph.D, education in natural science at ETH Zurich, co-founder of Sustainserv (2001), a consulting company in Zurich and Boston focused on sustainability. 20 years of experience in sustainability strategy, implementation, and communication. Co-heads our Marketing, Communication & Media committee and is a member of our Projects & Programmes committee.

Stephan Lienin
Executive Board

(*1988, Swiss), Member of Kamboo Project’s Projects & Programmes Committee and Co-Head of our HR & Volunteers Committee. Entrepreneur and co-founder of Quali-Clean GmbH in 2013.

Joe Lang
Executive Board

(*1987, Cambodian). MBA, Country Manager of Kamboo Project in Cambodia. Somalita has a proven background in financial management, with ten years on-the-ground experience of the Cambodian NGO sector.

Somalita Keo
Executive Board

(*1967, Swiss), has worked as welder/constructor since 1986. Based in Siem Reap. "I set off, with my belongings on the back, heading East. The ancient Khmer empire could have been the gripping fascination that has captured my imagination. The uncomplicated, respectful demeanour of the people is the reason why I offer my help."

Enzo Sportelli
Founder

Executive Board Cambodia

(*1987, Cambodian). MBA, Country Manager of Kamboo Project in Cambodia. Somalita has a proven background in financial management, with ten years on-the-ground experience of the Cambodian NGO sector.

Somalita Keo
Country Manager

(*1995, Cambodian). Bachelor Degree for Finance and Accounting. Member of the Country Management Team of Kamboo Project since October 2018. Khan Ra has an unwaivering committment to help disadvantaged communities in Cambodia. Khan Ra has been trained by professional and expert finance people by our Partner Organisation, Accountants For Intl. Development, AFID.

Khan Ra
Accounting

(*1986, Cambodian). Senior Project Manager at Kamboo Project since its founding days in 2014. Oversaw Head of Country Role in 2016/17. More recently concentrating on his strength in operations, training in the field of those in need and recruitment/training of younger staff and volunteers.

Pisey Chin
Senior Project Manager

Share this:

Facebook Twitter Google Plus