LHCO

Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization (LHCO), formerly known as Life With Dignity (LWD), is a localized non-governmental organization that originated from the Lutheran World Federation. Affectionately referred to as Angkar “L” by rural communities, LHCO is dedicated to promoting human dignity among vulnerable populations in Cambodia. The organization’s journey began in 1979 with the Lutheran World Service (LWS) Cambodia, focusing on emergency relief, demining, and resettlement efforts. In 1993, the program transitioned to the LWF Cambodia Programme, emphasizing rural development. By 2010, it localized and rebranded as Life With Dignity, with Cambodian leadership at its helm. On March 19, 2024, the organization adopted its current name, Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization.

LHCO’s mission is to collaborate with vulnerable individuals and communities, transforming their personal and socio-economic circumstances towards self-reliance through holistic development approaches. The organization’s core values include partnership, respect, compassion, equality, and accountability.

The organization’s main areas of intervention are:
-Sustainable Livelihoods and Agriculture
-Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation
-WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Nutrition, and Health
-Education (Pre and Primary Education)
-Social Community Engagement

In recent initiatives, on January 24, 2025, LHCO signed a KUSANONE grant contract with the Government of Japan to construct a new six-classroom building, along with essential facilities, for Kul Tuteung Primary School in Pursat Province. This project aims to promote high-quality education and provide a safe learning environment for students in the community.

Additionally, on December 26, 2024, LHCO launched the AC Digit Application, an innovative tool designed to support agricultural communities in efficiently managing their member data. The event fostered collaboration in promoting digital innovation and gathered representatives from various sectors, including government ministries, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

Through these efforts and more, LHCO continues to work towards its vision of people living with dignity, striving to empower communities across Cambodia.