OUR STORY, VISION, MISSIONS, AND CORE VALUES
In 2016 and given the constant growth of the social and humanitarian projects, Bishop Enrique Figaredo lead the creation of the local organization Karuna Battambang “KBO”. Karuna Battambang is a local non-governmental organization registered with the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Cambodia on the 08th of June 2016.
It constitutes the Diocesan Caritas of the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang covering all its provinces.
The Vision of the organization is shared with the Prefecture of Battambang:
"To journey with wisdom and compassion with children and the young, especially the poorest of the poor, and to work tirelessly for their education and their formation. To work for their future - our future."
The Missions of the organization are:
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Families and community integration: Reduce the number of vulnerable children and disabled persons by providing center-based care and home-based care at households and communities;
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Formal and non-formal education: Facilitate the service of education for disabled persons, youth, women and children in accordance with their needs and opportunities;
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Sustainability: Provide to disabled persons, youths, women and poor citizens knowledge, skills, education in organization and economic support in their communities so that they can help themselves;
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Basic health: facilitate the service of health education and basic medical treatment to disabled persons, youths, women and children.
KBO GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND CORE VALUES
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Dignity of the Human person
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Mercy and Compassion
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Formation of the Heart
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Participation and Equal opportunities
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Option for the poor
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Universal destination of the goods of the Earth
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Subsidiarity, fraternal cooperation and togetherness
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Solidarity
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Inclusive Development
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Stewardship
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Follow the Catholic Church Guidance
Our Governance and Advisory Teams (Board)
Ven. Vy Sovechea
Juan Sobrini
Sr. Bernadette Glisse
OL Sokhem
Federico Barreras
MSGR. ENRIQUE FIGAREDO,JS - Founder
Br. Noel Oliver, SJ – Walking Together in Mission
Our Management Team
TOM Chheat
Executive Director
VOY Landa
HR and Admin SO
NHIB Kimheang
SAM-BTB Manager
POV Chhean
Program Manager
MEAN Mom
M&E Manager
EM Cheas
SAM-KCN anager
Monsignor Enrique ("Kike") Figaredo, an Spanish Jesuit born in 1959, has dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to the care of the most vulnerable. Kike began his work in 1985, in the refugee camps near the Thai-Cambodian border, focusing on supporting people with disabilities.
Prior to the signing of the Peace Treaty in 1992, Kike settled permanently in Cambodia to accompany those returning to their homes to regain their roots and their lives in Cambodia.
In 1991 he joined mission in Banteay Prieb (House of the Dove), near Phnom Penh: a center of professional training for the disabled where currently study more than 200 students. Banteay Prieb has a handicraft production center and a wheelchair manufacturing workshop where the famous wheelchair "Mekong", made from local materials and adapted to the needs of Cambodian rural life, was created. Each year more than 1,400 copies of this chair are produced and distributed throughout the country.
In 2000, Kike was appointed Apostolic Prefect of Battambang. Under his leadership, the Prefecture has developed social and humanitarian projects of a different nature, including support for people with disabilities, education, agriculture and environment, health and socio-economic development, currently benefiting about 50,000 people. In 2006, Kike was appointed president of Caritas Cambodia.
In recognition of his work and dedication, he has won several prizes including the Grand Cross to Civil Merit in International Cooperation (2004) and the recognition of Sahametrei granted by the Prime Minister of Cambodia. He has also been a finalist of the Prince of Asturias Award for Concord on three occasions.
For almost nine years, Br. Noel Oliver, SJ has walked closely alongside Karuna Battambang Organization (KBO), sharing not only his experience and knowledge, but also his heart for the people and communities we serve.
His relationship with Cambodia, however, began long before his years with KBO. Br. Noel was among the pioneering Jesuit missionaries who entered Cambodia in 1990, accompanying people affected by war, displacement, disability, and poverty. Throughout his long mission, he has remained committed to a simple principle: to be close to people, listen to them, and help them discover their own strength and dignity.
At KBO, Br. Noel has been especially close to our smallholder farmers, elderly, youth and rural communities. He has accompanied farmers in learning sustainable agriculture, particularly the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), while encouraging them to reduce production costs, protect the environment, improve food security, and build more sustainable livelihoods.
But Br. Noel's contribution cannot be measured only by activities or project results. He has been a friend, mentor, adviser, and companion in mission to KBO staff, farmers, young people, families, and communities. He has travelled with us to villages, listened to people's challenges, encouraged new ideas, connected our mission with friends and benefactors, and reminded us to keep vulnerable people at the center of our work.
His almost nine years alongside KBO have become part of our organizational journey—a journey of service, friendship, faith, dignity, and hope.
"The seeds you have planted will continue to grow in the communities and people whose lives you have touched."
NHEK Chamroeun
CD Manager
HENG Savath
Anatha Manager
Sr. RONG Bopha
Opeka Manager
THACH Bunsoeung
Finance Manager
ROEURT Wen
Obrum Manager
Dr. NHOR Chamron
Healthcare Manager
KAO Theara
HR and Admin Manager
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RIK Rith
Outreach Manager
Br. Gustavo Juan
Marist Manager
