Overview

HUSK is a nonprofit organization that was founded 2008 to improve the lives of Cambodian families through education, health and empowerment. What began as an English teaching project later expanded into building a school. After observing that many children dropped out of school due to poverty, HUSK launched its Softies Project to help women from the poorest families earn extra income. The program teaches these women (known as the Softies Women) valuable sewing skills to create soft toys, clothing and other items to sell. A key requirement is that they commit to keeping their children in school. This initiative empowers the women with practical skills, supports family income and helps ensure children receive an education—contributing to long-term community upliftment. 

How We Support

B&R supports HUSK’s mission through contributions from the Slow Fund, committing $5,000 in funding for 2025. This funding will directly support the Softies Project, enabling the Softies Women to further develop their sewing skills and expand their product line into fashion and clothing items for boutiques in Siem Reap—diversifying their income stream. As these women rely heavily on tourism, B&R will also foster traveller engagement through our trips, providing support beyond just financial contributions. 

Photography credit: HUSK © 

Supporting the Softies Project

B&R’s Slow Fund contribution will directly support the upskilling of women in HUSK’s sewing program through advanced training and upgrades to sewing equipment. The benefits are three-fold: enhancing the women's skills, empowering them through financial means and helping ensure their children receive an education.

Empowering the Softies Women

The program ensures continued employment for the women while equipping them with transferable skills to pursue independent work. It also supports the development of their sewing abilities and enables them to expand their product line for boutiques in Siem Reap—diversifying their income stream.

Traveller Engagement

B&R is committed to fostering a long-lasting partnership that goes beyond financial support. Through our trips, we will engage travellers with the Softies Project, helping create a direct connection with the women who rely on tourism to sell their products.