What is Rajana?
The Rajana Association is an income generation and skills training project and is now a local NGO.
It provides employment for many young Cambodians, rural and urban poor and other small producers.
Why are we called ‘ Rajana ’ ?
‘’Rajana’’ is the Khmer word for ‘design’
How was Rajana started?
Rajana was established as a project as a UK charity called Southeast Asian Outreach (SAO).
SAO was founded in 1973 by a Cambodian Christian called Chhirc Taing who was studying in the UK. He appealed to the British Church to help in Cambodia. SAO was registered with the Cambodian Government as an International NGO in 1991. In 1995 Marie Hill founded Rajana using Cambodian young people whom she had met while working in the Refugee Camps in Thailand. Marie is a strong visionary who did a remarkable job under difficult circumstances, to establish Rajana with the welfare of the staff always to the forefront of any decisions and developments. During the years 1995-1997, Rajana developed from just two people learning basic card marking skills in Marie’s house and selling to her friends. to 5 or 6 staff including three silversmiths.
The first shops were opened in Phnom Penh , followed by the Siem Reap shop in 2001.
Rajana is now completely Khmer owned and run.
How do we support Khmer people?
Staff learns to value their own culture and products. They learn new skills through training workshops and educational trips to many of Cambodia ’s famous temples
Rajana has tried to support other small handicrafts organizations in Cambodia, who have a similar mission of poverty alleviation and helping special needs groups.
Often these groups cannot afford to have their own outlet, and we have sold their products on commission in our shops.
We allow them to keep their own branding and packaging.
The mission of Rajana
“Rajana aim to give young, underprivileged Cambodian people the opportunity to be trained in the production and marking of contemporary craft. Rajana is committed to the personal development of our workers a individuals in an economic, social, and spiritual sense. Rajana provides employment with fair wages and a safe work environment where people have opportunity for professional development.”
Our
vision
We have a vision to become a larger conduit of fair-trade handicrafts in Cambodia. Our largest exports customers are Ten Thousand Villages USA and Canada. We also export to France, Denmark, Sweden, New Zealand, the UK and Hong Kong
About the products
The Golden age of Cambodia was in the 10t and 14 th century Angkor period, when many magnificent temples were built in the northern jungles. Rajana artisans use their rich heritage in product design and patterns into contemporary and saleable products.
Although famous for her violent past, Cambodia is now moving on as stability and peace are established. Cambodian artisans are now able to resurrect talents that have been long neglected.
Through its artisans and artwork, Cambodia has many beautiful things to offer the world.
Rajana is proud to see Cambodia taking her place once again in the visual arts of South East Asia.
Where are the products made?
We have 2 work shops, 1 in Phnom Penh and 1 in Siem Reap. Other products are made in villages in Siem Reap, Ratanakiri, Prey Veng, Prek Chrey, Kampot, Stung Treng, Kompong Spen, Kompong Thom, Kompong Cham, Kompong Chnang, Pursat, Anlong Veng and Takeo
