World Vision concludes 18-year Tbaeng Meanchey Area Programme in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia

Preah Vihear, August 29, 2023 – After a transformative 18-year programme, World Vision International in Cambodia formally concludes its operations within the Tbaeng Meanchey Area Programme in Preah Vihear Province on August 29, 2023. Encompassing this long-term partnership, in collaboration with World Vision Germany, this initiative positively impacted 25 villages across 4 communes in Tbaeng Meanchey, as well as 2 Sangkats in the Preah Vihear municipality, benefiting a total of 35,285 individuals, including 14,011 children. 

World Vision’s engagement in the Tbaeng Meanchey district began with a mine-clearing and agricultural land development programme from 2003 to 2005. Starting in 2005, the organization shifted its focus to Health, Nutrition, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, with the aim of enhancing the health and nutritional well-being of mothers and children. 

The Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) 2014 findings revealed that Preah Vihear had a higher prevalence of malnourished children compared to other provinces, positioning it as the province with the highest malnutrition rate in Cambodia.  

Mr. Sok Ratha, Health Centre Director of Santepheap village, reflecting on the past, talked about the many challenges faced by children under five at the time, which were marked by stunted growth, underweight issues, and malnutrition due to inadequate parental support and knowledge gaps in proper nutrition and breastfeeding practices. The lack of regular health check-ups during and after childbirth compounded these challenges. “However,” Mr. Ratana emphasized, “thanks to the partnership with Village Support Health Groups trained by World Vision in partnership with Local Authorities, I observed a steady decrease in malnourished children and witnessed improved knowledge and practices among families in maternal and child care, nutrition”.  

Bun Savuth, a community youth club leader who once experienced malnutrition, expressed gratitude for the presence of World Vision International in Cambodia, highlighting how various project activities equipped the community with knowledge and tools to foster a safe and nurturing environment for children’s well-being. 

According to World Vision’s End Phase Survey 2022-2023, the percentage of households with access to safe water throughout the year increased significantly from 48% to 79%, while the presence of household toilets surged from 2% to 86%. Additionally, 12 out of 25 villages (7 in Tbaeng Meanchey district and 5 in Preah Vihear city) have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. 

Mrs. Inn Sdeung, the commune chief of Chhean Mukh, acknowledged the pivotal role played by the collaboration between local authorities, community members, and World Vision in driving positive and enduring change. “Although World Vision International in Cambodia’s formal programme is concluding,” she affirmed, “I remain steadfast in continuing this mission and working diligently to contribute to the community’s growth.” 

 A celebratory event commemorating World Vision International’s remarkable 18-year journey took place at the Preah Vihear Provincial Hall. 

Speaking at the event, World Vision Country Director Janes I. Ginting said, “… today, we are celebrating a story of positive change at individual, household, community and society levels; as a result of solid partnerships with all stakeholders and having a shared vision for the well-being of children. This is OUR story of hopes, of resilience, and of collaboration. We treasure the many lives transformed and the lasting changes we have witnessed in the past years. World Vision is very humbled to be part of this journey.”  

With deep gratitude, World Vision appreciates the tireless support of our steadfast partner, the Government of Cambodia and World Vision Germany. Your commitment has been the foundation on which dreams were built, and the futures of thousands of children transformed.