Empowering Cambodia's Economy: Emily Williamson's Approach to Alleviating Poverty
*Emily Williamson, the founder of REACH Siem Reap, shares her journey in establishing a charity that offers holistic support to Cambodian families.
From volunteering in Siem Reap at the age of 21, Emily found herself inspired to create a charity that promoted transparency in its funding. This decision led to the establishment of REACH Siem Reap in 2019. The charity provides support to Cambodian families, helping them break longstanding cycles of poverty within their community.
Growing up between Asia and Australia has greatly shaped Emily's approach to humanitarian work in Cambodia. Her experiences in Indonesia, particularly her parents' local-led business model, taught her the importance of respectfully engaging with local communities and empowering them to lead initiatives.
Balancing the demands of running a charity and her personal life is not without its challenges. However, Emily credits her partner's support, a professional network, and her incredible team for helping ensure she never reaches burnout.
In a typical day in Siem Reap, Emily finds motivation in the children she encounters. Their energy, compassion, and determination serve as a reminder of the impact her work has in the community.
Stress management and preventing burnout are crucial aspects of Emily's work, which often involves emotionally demanding situations. She manages stress through regular cycling and ensuring she has at least one full day off each week to unwind with her family and support network.
Emily discusses some notable milestones achieved by REACH Siem Reap, including surviving the pandemic, completing their first inaugural 650 km charity bike ride in 2022, and helping facilitate educational opportunities for numerous beneficiaries.
Staying connected to her roots and maintaining a sense of home is made easier by her family living in Indonesia and her father's involvement in 'Ride to Reach', REACH Siem Reap's annual cycling fundraising event.
Looking ahead, Emily's future goals for REACH Siem Reap include providing pathways to fair employment and a fair wage to every student at their school through scholarships for further education or vocational training placements. The charity anticipates over 70 students graduating from their program over the next five years.*
In addition, the charity is preparing for a fundraising challenge involving a 400 km journey across Cambodia, set to take place from January 10th to 16th, 2026. The fundraising target is substantial, with a goal of $5,000 AUD, among other currencies.
REACH Siem Reap's initiatives often align with other community engagement and development projects in Siem Reap, such as Give a Day and The Community, which focus on collaboration and support for local entrepreneurs and artists.
- Emily Williamson, the founder of REACH Siem Reap, believes in transparency in funding, particularly in the industry of finance and charity.
- Her experiences in Indonesia, specifically her parents' local-led business model, taught her the importance of empowering communities and respectfully engaging in the lifestyle and home-and-garden practices of the local population.
- In her role as the leader of REACH Siem Reap, Emily emphasizes the importance of learning and skills-training for personal growth and career development, ensuring her team has the necessary tools to thrive in their roles.
- The charity's initiatives often involve technology, such as online-education platforms, to support the educational advancement of Cambodian families.
- Sustainable living is a key aspect of REACH Siem Reap's mission, as they strive to provide resources for long-term economic and environmental well-being.
- To maintain her well-being amidst the demands of running a charity, Emily prioritizes self-development by practicing stress management techniques like cycling and taking regular time off for relaxation and family support.
- As the charity plans for the future, they aim to integrate employment opportunities with education, offering scholarships for further education or vocational training in various fields, such as technology and education-and-self-development.
