World Vision Cambodia’s 15-year presence in Takeo Province brings positive and sustainable change for the residents of Samrong District

World Vision International in Cambodia announces the successful completion of its Area Programme in Samrong district. A celebration of this remarkable 15-year journey that brought about transformative change in the lives of vulnerable children and communities is held on 23 August 2023, at Damrey Yok Tuek Primary School. 

Since its inception in 2007, Samrong Area Programme has reached 32 villages with a total population of 26,184 people (8,934 women), and 4,314 children (4,201 girls). The Programme has been dedicated to improving the well-being of children and families facing adversity, creating effective solutions for pressing challenges and fostering community empowerment. The Programme has successfully impacted countless lives, leaving a lasting legacy of positive change.  

Mr. Ket Mao, Governor of Samrong District, said that through the partnership with local authorities, World Vision has significantly contributed to improving health, nutrition, education, food security and the protection of children and youth in the district.  The Governor expressed his gratitude to World Vision for the training and technical assistance provided to local communities, especially vulnerable families, which contributed to lifting them out of poverty. World Vision support made it possible for low-income families to send their children to school, improve their nutrition and reduce migration, he said.  

“Today, the number of domestic violence and child abuse cases has reduced at the local level,” said Ms. Horn Sokhom, a member of the commune council and a committee member in charge of women and children's affairs (CWCC). She attributes this major change to the many programmes and initiatives implemented by government officials in partnership with World Vision, especially World Vision volunteers. "Since the beginning of 2023, until now, the commune has not received any complaints about any violence," she said. "There are no complaints because of the close collaboration with village volunteers, people are more aware of the forms and consequences of violence and response mechanisms." 

Prey Neang Puon village in Chumreah Pen commune, was the first village in Samrong district to stop open defecation (ODF) in 2011. Khin Khim, Prey Neang Puon village chief and chief of the sanitation community said that in the past, people in the community did not have toilets in their houses and did not care much about hygiene. However, he said that people began to change their behaviour after the many programmes implemented by World Vision over the years.  

"Back then, among 195 households, only 12 families had toilets. But now, there are 187 households among 195 households that have toilets. This is due to the support of community facilitators, which makes people more aware of hygiene issues and children are less likely to have diarrhoea and other diseases that make it possible for them to go to school, " said Khim. 

World Vision also established three agricultural development communities that today manage three water supply stations for the distribution of water to more than 970 families, including schools in Samrong District. 

"It is with deep gratitude and a sense of accomplishment that we conclude our 15-year Programme and partnership in Samrong District," said Janes I. Ginting, World Vision Cambodia’s Country Director.  "We are immensely thankful to the government, local partners, donors, our staff and the communities and volunteers that have worked tirelessly by our side, turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality." 

This journey of positive and transformative change in the Samrong District was made possible by the unwavering support and funding from World Vision Hong Kong.