Corruption is a challenge that exists worldwide, impacting both the Global South and more developed nations. While it may not be unique to Cambodia, corruption remains a major obstacle to progress. However, corruption is not an inherent problem of any particular group of people or culture – it is a symptom of a flawed system. As such, it is not an insurmountable problem but one that can be addressed through systemic change.
We believe that corruption cannot be effectively addressed if charities continue to circumvent the issue by maintaining control of privatised social protection systems. Instead, institutional corruption must be tackled through transparent systems that foster trust and accountability.
From the outset, the Village Hive Project has been built upon strong anti-corruption frameworks. Before launching the first Village Hive in 2022, we collaborated with local leadership to co-create zero-tolerance anti-corruption policies and protocols. These measures ensure that every dollar is accounted for and that financial systems are designed to prevent corruption at every level.
Our anti-corruption framework includes robust financial controls, such as:
Beyond financial safeguards, CCT’s monitoring, evaluation, and communications teams provide an additional layer of transparency. These teams conduct weekly ‘ride-alongs’ with the public workforce – including social workers, nurses, and teachers – to gather essential data and firsthand accounts of operations. This process ensures visibility into Village Hive activities and helps build a solid evidence base to support the initiative’s impact.
Local leaders have integrated these anti-corruption measures into the Village Hive in their communities because they recognise that the project’s long-term success depends on cultivating radical trust between donors, CCT, and the broader community.
This year, we reached a major milestone with the launch of the first-ever Anti-Corruption Conference – a groundbreaking forum where local leaders and Village Hive project staff came together to discuss corruption openly and collaborate on best practices for maintaining zero-tolerance on corruption and fraud.
The conference brought together a diverse group of participants, including Commune Leaders, Village Chiefs, Clerks, Finance Assistants, School Principals, Health Centre Directors, and Municipal Social Workers. A central highlight of the event was a dynamic roundtable discussion, allowing attendees to pose questions, share experiences, and explore practical solutions for enforcing accountability.
A key outcome of the conference was a review and refinement of the Village Hive’s co-created financial policy, leading to critical amendments. One of the most significant changes was the formation of a dedicated committee responsible for ensuring compliance with Cambodia’s anti-corruption laws through consistent reporting at all levels, from local communities to national authorities.
Discussing corruption openly is often considered taboo in Cambodia, making the candid and constructive exchanges at the conference all the more groundbreaking. Despite competing municipal and provincial events, participants made it a priority to attend, underscoring their commitment to fighting corruption.
By equipping local leaders and project staff with knowledge, tools, and a collective commitment to transparency, the Anti-Corruption Conference has set a powerful precedent. This initiative strengthens the integrity of the Village Hive Project and signals a broader cultural shift towards greater accountability and trust.
With continued collaboration, The Village Hive Project is proving that systemic corruption can be tackled – not through avoidance, but by embedding transparency and accountability at the heart of social protection systems.
