What is Sak Saum?

Sak Saum - the Khmer word for dignity - is also the name of an important facet of IHSI’s ministry in Cambodia. The Sak Saum program addresses the issues of human trafficking and exploitation in practical and compassionate ways. Although human trafficking is illegal in Cambodia, in reality it is a thriving industry, keeping its victims ensnared in a cycle of poverty and despair. Sak Saum is confronting this problem through assistance and rehabilitation for young women who have been trapped as victims of human trafficking.

Cambodian women are not only in need of rescuing from their exploitive circumstances; they need their dignity restored and their lives transformed. Sak Saum ministers to the whole person so that they can be liberated from their past and prepared for their future. By providing access to education and counseling based on Christian principles, equipping them with job skills, social training, health and nutritional understanding, our goal is to see young women emerge from the program filled with hope and ready for new opportunities.

The Heart Behind Sak Saum...

Exploitation destroys the hope and purpose in individual lives. Its oppressive grip leads to depression, disease, addiction, dishonesty, and dependency. Many young women have been trapped in this situation for far too long. At Sak Saum, we operate on the principle that all people have value and dignity. Because of this belief, we are passionate about liberating lives from hopelessness and destruction.

We recognize that treating the symptoms of poverty is not enough: true compassion ministers to the needs of the individual. Our mission is to restore lives in every way – physically, mentally, emotionally, economically, spiritually and socially. Each woman who enters the Sak Saum program is offered unconditional love and the resources she needs to become independent and successful.

The Program at a Glance...

Our program is geared toward young women who are motivated to see themselves changed and empowered. By requiring participation in all aspects of the program, we ensure that every area of life is transformed in a positive way.

• The Sak Saum program includes:

• Education and vocational training

• Job skills development

• Counseling based on Christian principles

• Health and nutrition education

• Future enterprise opportunities

Our current job training focuses on sewing and business skills, with the expectation to expand training to include housekeeping, customer service, and computer proficiency. Without our help, many of these women would never have the opportunity to read and write, let alone learn the skills they need to live successful and productive lives.

Along with basic education, Sak Saum teaches conflict resolution, parenting skills, healthy identity, positive relationship building, English language, health, and hygiene. Women also have the opportunity to participate in fun extracurricular activities and classes including ballet, flag-team worship, and traditional Khmer dance.

The program is free of charge and lasts for six to nine months. Participants leave equipped with work skills, capable of functioning socially, and aware of how to overcome their past and embrace a new future. Through all these things, Sak Saum is helping to break the cycle of exploitation and give hope to the hopeless.

Working with Other Ministries

Sak Saum partners with other Cambodia-based ministries ministering to victims of human trafficking and the sex trade. By working with existing programs, the women in Sak Saum have a wide variety of vocational training options, including catering, bakery, hair styling and salon services, and cooking.

We collaborate closely with a project based in the red-light district of the capital city. In His Steps has been able to bless this ministry with training opportunities and financial support for over one hundred young women there. We believe that it is important for ministries to work together for the common goal of reaching the lost and helping those in need. 

Products 

Women in the Sak Saum program are trained in sewing and jewelry-making skills. They receive fair trade wages for the products that they make, which include: 

• Silk handbags, purses, and cosmetic cases

• Silk embellished clutch purses

• Embroidered silk table runners

• Cotton padded tote bags

• Recycled-product bags

We produce a wide range of designs while focusing on unique, quality products. Each product tells the story of a woman's journey to find dignity. Sak Saum is helping to restore the dignity that had been stolen from her, and that legacy will be passed on to future generations.  

By purchasing from Sak Saum, people around the world are empowering women and helping to rescue Cambodians from poverty and hopelessness. We currently export our fair trade products to the U.S., U.K., New Zealand, and Singapore. As demand for these products increases, we hope to gain new partners internationally to help us promote the fair trade ethic and sell Sak Saum products.  

You can see more products that are available for purchase at Beyond Beads and Bags.

Click here to download our brochure to see how you can help. 

What is fair trade?  

We at Sak Saum believe that fair trade is a key to helping raise individuals and communities out of poverty. The fair trade ethic is the only responsible way to deal with disadvantaged individuals. 

For Cambodians who are a part of Sak Saum, we guarantee: 

• Fair wages in the local context

• A safe and encouraging work environment

• Financial and technical support for their vocation

• Environmentally-sustainable work practices

• Respect for cultural identity and customs

• Transparent and responsible business practices

• Long-term, ethical relationships in the workplace

 Promotions 

As Sak Saum grows, new opportunities arise to promote our cause. Some exciting doors have been opening for us worldwide! 

Renowned fashion designer Abi Ferrin chose an exclusively designed silk clutch purse from Sak Saum to be customized with precious stones for her Fall 2008 collection. To view the clutch on Abi Ferrin’s official web site, click here. To read an interview with Abi Ferrin click here.  Check Lucky magazine for an upcoming feature about Abi Ferrin and her efforts on behalf of women at risk. 

One of our newest staff members will soon be interviewed and featured for her work with Sak Saum in the November/December issue of Get Creative, an arts and crafts magazine distributed in New Zealand and Australia. 
 

Sak Saum produces handmade jewelry for Significant Blessings Pte. Ltd., a jewelry design company based in Singapore. Check back soon for more information about Sak Saum’s partnership with designer Si-Rock and Soul. 

The women of Sak Saum were recently involved in a special project: creating hand-sewn, custom-designed bridesmaids dresses for a wedding in the U.S.

What Can I Do? 

In His Steps relies on your prayers and support to continue in this work. We have seen a lot of growth in 2008, and would greatly appreciate your help in providing the necessary funds for our sewing equipment and supplies, production, and staff salaries. By giving out of your own resources, you can help to change a life for the better. 

If you would like to make a financial donation to this ministry, click here. If you are a business consultant, designer, grant writer, or would like to volunteer with IHSI, please contact us at eghanson@juno.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

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