Program Director: Tracy W. Harachi, UW School of Social Work, tharachi@u.washington.edu

Financial Backing for Partnership Success

Phase I would not have been possible without the financial and personal contributions of a large number of individuals in the U.S. and support from the UW International Programs and Exchange and Graduate School.

Cambodia will receive close to $1 billion in foreign aid in 2009 yet few donors are focused on rebuilding higher education institutions. Throughout Phase I, attempts were made to identify an international donor involved with Cambodia who would support our efforts. While a multitude of organizations such as USAID, the Asia Foundation, UNICEF and the German Technical Cooperation were enthusiastic about the aims of the Partnership and provided letters of support, in the end, none provided any financial backing.

Close to half a million dollars was needed for tuition and fee support, housing, food, books, airfare, bus fare, and medical insurance for the 5 students. Incredibly over 190 individuals made either a one time donation or multiple over the three year endeavor.

One family in particular recognized the value of the partnership and stepped in to provide significant matching funds in Y2 and Y3. We thank the Del Rio family, specifically Nelson, Suzanne, and Nelson Jr. for stepping forward and financially helping us achieve Phase 1. In addition to the Del Rio Family Foundation and the UW IPE office and Graduate School, we graciously thank the following individuals or organizations who made a generous donation over $1,000. Their support was crucial to Phase 1 (listed alphabetically).

RUPP Partnership Volunteer Workgroup

The adage “it takes a village to raise a child” can be applied to the success of Phase I.

While each RUPP student was admitted into the MSW program on their own merit and qualifications, their experience with Cambodian schooling didn't quite prepare them for the volume of reading and writing required for graduate school in the U.S.

Each RUPP student was linked with one or more tutors who helped them develop stronger reading and writing skills.

Additionally, RUPP Workgroup volunteers opened their homes and hearts to provide support to these students who were away from their family and friends.   Among a variety of activities, the students experienced a Super Bowl party, went camping, and enjoyed a family Thanksgiving meal.  Meeting for coffee and getting a pep talk was worth a million.  

Our workgroup volunteers helped with fundraising, the annual Open House, and graduation celebrations.

There is no way we can sufficiently thank our volunteers for being so considerate and giving of their time.  Big thanks to all (listed alphabetically).

U.S. Ambassador Carol Rodley welcomes faculty from the Social Work Department

Ambassador Rodley warmly welcomed the faculty from the Social Work Department at the Royal University of Phnom Penh on July 6, 2009.  She was enthusiastic about the goals of the SW Department and hopes that future graduates of the program will have an impact on the social welfare of the country particularly in the area of child welfare.     

First Class of Social Work Students in Cambodia Finish Their Freshman Year

With faculty educated at the UW SSW, a new Department of Social Work at the Royal University of Phnom Phen (RUPP) welcomed its first cohort of students this fall. It is the only program of its kind in Cambodia. Associate Professor Tracy Harachi has coordinated our School’s partnership with RUPP since it began in 2004.

The overwhelming need for social workers in Cambodia is well documented. Trauma from the country’s recent history of violence is only one of many needs that social workers can help to address. Preparing more people to enter the profession is critical.

This need prompted the Royal University of Phnom Penh to request assistance from the University of Washington School of Social Work to establish the partnership and create the first college-level social work program in Cambodia. The partnership provided a graduate-level education to students from Cambodia that prepared them for faculty positions at RUPP's new social work department.

The SW Department moves now into its second year of operation with 8 local Cambodian faculty members and will soon be enrolling its second class of freshman students.

“When people support this project,” says Professor Harachi, “they are helping to positively impact an entire country for many generations to come.”