Martina Cannetta: Crafting Art and Opportunity in Cambodia

Recently, Gabriele Faja and Riccardo Corrado, board members of Itacham - Italian Business Chamber Cambodia, visited Il Nodo Onlus to witness the organization's impactful operations under the leadership of Martina Cannetta. Since its establishment in 2009, Il Nodo Onlus has been a driving force in empowering Cambodian youth, combining innovative social design with a deep respect for Khmer culture to build sustainable futures.

Martina Cannetta

Martina Cannetta’s journey into humanitarian work is rooted in her strong academic background and commitment to social change. With a psychology degree and a focus on the roles of women in Asian societies, she gained a profound understanding of socio-economic challenges. Her early work with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute further deepened her resolve to make a difference. In Cambodia, Martina saw the potential to blend cultural preservation with skill development, leading to the creation of Il Nodo Onlus.

Il Nodo

Il Nodo, meaning “The Knot” in Italian, symbolizes a connection between Italian expertise and Cambodian tradition. This cross-cultural collaboration enables opportunities for young Cambodians to gain life skills, professional training, whilst maintaining their cultural identity.

At the heart of Il Nodo Onlus lies La Bottega dell’Arte, a vocational training program offering professional instruction in silversmithing, textiles, and woodcraft. Over two years, students learn traditional techniques from Khmer artisans and gain modern design insights from Italian professionals.

To date, 71 students have graduated, with 80% securing professional contracts immediately. Their works are sold at local venues, supporting the students and the program.

Where to Find Their Creations:

• The Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
• For Someone I Like
• The Green Store 240
• Paradise Phnom Penh
• Elsewhere

Recognition and Accreditation

Since 2015, La Bottega dell’Arte has been recognized by Cambodia’s Ministry of Labor and Professional Training, with certifications valid across ASEAN countries. This acknowledgment underscores the program’s quality and opens doors for graduates regionally and internationally.

Expanding Impact: Key Initiatives

Beyond La Bottega dell’Arte, Il Nodo Onlus operates several projects:

• Innocents Behind Bars: Supports children living with their mothers in prison, ensuring proper nutrition, healthcare, and a nurturing environment for early development.
• Clean Water and School for All: Provides clean water access, hygiene education, and school supplies to rural communities, addressing fundamental needs for health and education.

How Donations Help

Your contributions directly enhance lives:

• €20: Covers school supplies and uniforms for a child for one year.
• €30: Provides food and hygiene essentials for a family.
• €60: Supports a child in prison with healthcare, food, and a safe environment.
• €100/month: Funds a "scholarship" for vocational training at La Bottega dell’Arte.
• €250: Supplies a family with clean water and hygiene training.
• €650: Builds a water well in a rural village, providing clean water to the community.

How to Get Involved

Il Nodo Onlus welcomes donations through PayPal, Facebook, and bank transfers. Italian taxpayers can contribute through the "5xMille" program using the code 06113160961.

Contact Information:

Milan, Italy

• Address: Via Torelli Viollier, 52, 20125 Milano, Italia
• Email: info@ilnodoonlus.org
• Phone: +39 333 1270871 (Jo), +39 331 4777250 (Luciana)

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

• Address: N.28-29J, Street 45BT, Housing of Sambat Meas, 12351 Phnom Penh
• Email: info@ilnodoonlus.org
• Phone: +855 (0)77 897 749
• Mobile: +855(0)12 701244 (Italian/English), +855(0)12 505118 (Khmer)