Cambodia: fountain and water supply for 45 villages

In the province of Kampot, southwest of Phnom Penh, there is a lack of almost everything. Drinking water is scarce, many families are starving. But you also see: If the beginning is made for a better life, people draw hope again.

Chim, nine years old, is happy: he no longer has to drag the water out of the pond for his family far outside the village. He also no longer has to be afraid of drowning like a boy from the neighborhood. And he has more time for school and to play. The reason: there has been a fountain in his village Snay Bangchit for a year. Because it is one of the 45 villages in the province of Kampot, which are supported by the organization »Cocd«*, the BMZ **, the logistics company Hellmann and Terre des Hommes.

So far, ten fountains have been drilled and more than 80 households have been supplied with four 1,000 liter vessels. So also the family of Long Savry, who now catches the rainwater to bridge the drought time. Because earlier droughts have already harvested and thus destroyed the livelihood of many families. To help these families, there are now self -help groups in all 45 villages that can award loans - for example for growing vegetables, chicken breeding or home repairs. In this way, families are supported to build up a stable income - which ultimately benefits the children. Just like Chim, who - instead of dragging water - can learn, play and just be a child.