Since then, Padek as an older practitioner of this methodology has been able to contribute meaningfully to the discourse on the advantages and disadvantages of different community development approaches over the years. In 1996 the RGC adopted a sub-degree recognising the VDC as a civil engine for development and the Provincial Department of Rural Development (PDRD) has established VDCs in all accessible villages throughout Cambodia. Padek’s more recent collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development in implementing rural development activities using the PICDM demonstrates Padek’s capacity to influence government policies and practices to better serve the rural poor. Padek in turn incorporated new elements such as PRA and Commune Council Funding from the CBLE and NRDP projects into the PICDM framework. This close working relationship has allowed counter parts to learn from and influence each other’s strategies, methodologies and expectations of working with poor communities.

Padek models our partnership approach at the institutional, organisational, and programme levels and incorporates collaboration as a matter of routine at both central and ASU levels. Partner agencies include the Royal Government of Cambodia’s ministries and local departments and authorities, including Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Council for Agriculture and Rural Development as well as provincial, district, commune and village authorities; UN agencies including UNHCS, FAO, WFP, UNV, UNESCO, ILO; Human Rights and Legal NGOs including Adhoc, Lichado, LAC, and women’s organisations and networks including PADV, CWDA, WMC, KWVC, Gender Forum Network, Gad Network, CEDAW Network. Information sharing on many development issues and advocacy work is carried out in collaboration with a network of NGOs including USG, MCC, NGO Forum, CCC, GAD/C, WAC, URC, CEDAC, Srey Khmer, and local authorities. For other special purposes, Padek enters into alliances with other NGOs and Networks and is a member of such NGO groups as CCC, NGO Forum, Gender and Development (GAD) Network, CEDAW Network, NGO Education Partnership (NEP), and Commune Council Support Project (CCSP).