Samaritan's Purse is working in Cambodia to help provide communities with knowledge and materials that will benefit future generations.
November, 2015—In Cambodia, tradition is very important, shaping all aspects of life. Sometimes these traditions are beneficial and help preserve the cultural heritage of Cambodia. Others can hinder families from adopting new ideas that have the potential to improve their lives.
Mr. Ry Nim, 29, and his wife Mrs. Orn Sokhem, 28, live with their two daughters in Ro Ha village in Kratie Province, Cambodia. Like others, they follow the traditions passed down to them from previous generations when it comes to daily life, including farming and sanitation.
That began to change when Ry’s family partnered with Samaritan’s Purse through our Food for Life and Water Access Projects. These two projects work closely together to holistically improve the lives of beneficiaries, changing not just behaviors, but also attitudes and beliefs. By providing communities with helpful knowledge and resources, new traditions can be created and passed down to benefit future generations.
As the head of his household, Ry feels responsible for protecting and providing for his family. Before partnering with Samaritan’s Purse, Ry was always worried about his wife and children. They had no choice but to use the fields or forest to relieve themselves. While doing so, they were at risk of snake and mosquito bites, not to mention physical attack.
Samaritan’s Purse had already provided Ry and his family with a well for clean drinking water, as well as training on sanitation and hygiene. Next, your donations empowered Ry to construct a latrine for his home.
Samaritan’s Purse provided the underground components for the latrine, while Ry and his family were responsible for constructing its shelter. By being responsible for the shelter construction, Ry and his family felt a greater sense of responsibility and ownership for the latrine. They were so proud of their new bathroom that they decided to build a shelter for the latrine that was higher quality than that of their house!
The latrine has changed Ry’s life. His family is safer and healthier, and as a result they’re saving time, money, and energy. His daughters are also learning new traditions regarding safe sanitation that will be passed down to future generations.
Ry is grateful for all the support he’s received. He said, “Without your help I could not have built this.”
