Helen Keller’s words: Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much perfectly capture the essence of Rotary’s recent involvement in a Rotary International Global Grant in Cambodia. By installing WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) infrastructure and leading educational workshops in 11 rural schools in Siem Reap province, so much has been done to make a lasting impact on over 5,000 students and community members!
The project, hosted by the @Rotary Club of Phnom Penh Metro and in partnership with @Rotary Passport Melbourne and the @Rotaract Club of Siem Reap, has provided schools with water filtration systems, offering access to clean drinking water for the first time. Additionally, the project supported the installation of latrines and professionally built incinerators, significantly improving sanitation and the overall school environment.
Teachers from all 11 schools participated in WASH educational workshops organized by the WASH Skills Development Organization and are now sharing their newfound knowledge with thousands of students. To ensure long-term sustainability, WASH Committees at each school have been trained to manage and maintain the infrastructure.
Special thanks must be extended to members of the Rotaract Club of Siem Reap for their invaluable leadership and oversight on the ground, further empowering the next generation of Rotarians to become impactful social leaders.
Completed in just six months and USD4,500 under budget, this Rotary International project, supported by a Rotary Foundation Global Grant, has made a profound and sustainable impact: improving the health, productivity, and education of thousands of rural Cambodian students and community members. All participants are incredibly proud to have contributed to this life-changing initiative.
