An article from Maria Hicks OAM and Aviv Palti, Rotary Melbourne Passport
Thousands of students across rural Cambodia are set to benefit from improved access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene education through a major Rotary-supported WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Global Grant currently being implemented in Siem Reap province.
Approved by The Rotary Foundation in early 2026, the project is being delivered through a partnership between the Rotary Club of Phnom Penh Metro, as Host Sponsor,and Rotary Passport Melbourne as International Sponsor, with support from Rotary clubs and districts across Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.
The Global Grant will provide water filtration systems, hand washing stations, water storage infrastructure, sanitation facilities and comprehensive hygiene education programs in ten rural secondary schools, directly impacting more than 6,000 students and their communities.
Construction work has progressed rapidly, with six of the ten schools already completed and the remaining four scheduled for completion in the coming months. Alongside the infrastructure improvements, teachers will participate in training workshops to ensure that hygiene education becomes a sustainable part of school life long after the project is completed.
Recent visits by Rotary Passport Melbourne Foundation Chair Aviv Palti and then President Elect Maria Hicks OAM provided an opportunity to witness the impact of the project firsthand and engage with local partners, school leaders and students. During the visits, they were warmly welcomed by members of the Rotaract Club of Siem Reap, which has played a vital role in supporting project implementation, monitoring progress and providing regular reporting to project partners.
The school visits highlighted both the challenges faced by rural communities and the transformational impact that access to clean water and improved sanitation can have on student health, attendance and educational outcomes. In many communities, students have traditionally faced limited access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities, creating barriers to learning and wellbeing.
Maria praised the dedication of the local teams and the strong collaboration that has made the project possible. “What stands out most is the commitment of the students, teachers, Rotaractors and community leaders who are working together to create lasting change,” she said. “This project demonstrates the power of Rotary partnerships and the difference we can make when we combine resources, expertise and a shared vision.”
