VillageWorks, Songkhem Collection is a project which was started by the Girls’ Brigade of Singapore, a non-profit Christian organization which works to improve the lives of girls and women in Southeast Asia. The Girls’ Brigade provides financial, management, and marketing support for the project which benefits over 60 rural artisans in the Baray district of Cambodia, 2 hours from Phnom Penh. The name VillageWorks expresses their focus on handicrafts produced in small villages using indigenous materials, and traditional crafts techniques.

The majority of the artisans who work with VillageWorks are women. VillageWorks currently runs 2 training centers, where women from surrounding villages receive training in sewing, embroidery, and weaving. The centers provide employment for the women and help them realize their potential. VillageWorks hopes to expand this model, to be able to reach more rural women.

The Songkhem Collection (songkhem means “hope” in the Khmer language) highlights VillageWorks’ products, particularly handwoven silk & cotton scarves, pillow covers, and handbags. Through the purchase of products from VillageWorks, Songkhem Collection you engage in building lives by helping village women break free from poverty, and find hope.