Introduction:

Hing Channarith, known as Rith, is the Chief Executive Officer and cofounder of the Cambodian Children’s Advocacy Foundation Organization (CCAFO). He has served with the Royal Government of Cambodia, the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia, a local newspaper, LILIMEX Import and Export Company as Administrative Manager, and Veterans International Cambodia as Senior Staff.  He was a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Phnom Penh Metro, a former member of the Board of Directors of VBNK, chair of the Board of Directors of Karuna Children Cambodia Organization (KCCO), formerly the Buddhist Library Cambodia Project, and treasurer of the Board of Feeding Dreams Cambodia (FDC).

Professional Experience: 

In late 2005, Rith conducted a feasibility study for a day care center under CCAFO.  He also completed a community needs assessment for a community development and food security initiative.  In June 2006, he carried out research on visual impairment among primary school students for the National Center for Disabled People, funded by UNICEF.

At Veterans International Cambodia (VIC), Rith served as Site Manager of the Kien Khleang Physical Rehabilitation Centre in Phnom Penh from 1996 to 2004 and as Country Director from June 2004 to September 2005.  His responsibilities included project development, planning, organization, implementation, monitoring, and program leadership.  He also contributed to proposal development, fundraising, and liaison with donors and government agencies.

As a member and president of the Rotary Club of Phnom Penh Metro, Rith supported Rotary International and partner clubs in supervising projects implemented by cooperating agencies, including Veterans International Cambodia and the Sihanoukville Maternity Care Health Unit.  He also assisted the Rotary Club of Maple Valley in the United States to manage a water and sanitation project.

Governance and Advisory Roles:

As a member of the Board of Directors of VBNK, Rith took part in strategic planning, staff policy reviews, and director appraisals.  He volunteered as a consultant to VBNK on nationalization and localization.

As chair of the Board of Directors of KCCO, he participates in decisions on organizational status, annual work plans, and policy.  As treasurer of the Board of FDC, he conducts in house training on organizational management, provides advice on financial management, and monitors the organization’s financial systems.

Training and Capacity Building:

Rith designs and delivers practical training for non-governmental organizations.  He has conducted in house training on setting up QuickBooks for NGOs, including sessions for Mitrata and Sabal Sath Nepal, which are NGOs in Nepal.  He has also delivered in house training for CCAFO subgrantees, including DYP and the FDC team, on strategic plan development.

From 1979 to 2022, Rith completed a range of professional courses, including warehouse management, basic accounting, project management, USAID rules and regulations, human resources management, English language training, program cost analysis, and other short courses related to NGO development.  In late 2004, he participated in a strategic planning workshop held in Washington that was organized by the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, the parent organization of Veterans International Cambodia.  In 2022, he joined two online trainings on taxation and internal control.  He holds a law degree.

Recognition:

In November 2006, Rith received a certificate recognizing him as an Ambassador for Peace. In late 2004, he received a National Construction Silver Medal from the Royal Government of Cambodia and has had an audience with King Father Norodom Sihanouk and with King Norodom Sihamoni.