Here in Canada, we know what it’s like to experience hot weather and droughts. It impacts crops, fuels wildfires, and results in water restrictions every summer. But have you ever completely run out of water?
Sreytoch’s family and community in Cambodia has!
Every year for four months, the community’s water sources dried up, leaving Sreytoch’s family in a desperate place.
“My family took a long time to carry water from other villages because my village lacked water sources and [we] had to buy water from a private water supplier,” Sreytoch remembers.
Sreytoch family is happy now that they have acess to safe, clean drinking water.
“We had more challenges during the dry season and more expenses [because of buying water].” Water scarcity also led to poor sanitation and pushed the family to drink unsafe water contaminated with life-threatening parasites and bacteria. Sreytoch often worried about the health and wellbeing of her children.
But, all this changed when her village partnered with FH Cambodia.
Sreytoch’s family received a 500 litre water storage unit and training on clean water storage.
“After receiving a water storage jar from FH Cambodia, my family takes less time than before to carry water…” Sreytoch explains. “My children have no need to help carry the water and [so they] go to school regularly. We have enough water for drinking and daily use. More than this, my family can grow vegetables around the home by using water from [the] jar.”
“Now my family spends less money buying water, my children go to school properly, and I have time to earn an income.”
FH’s impact didn’t stop at clean water storage. Sreytoch’s family also received life-saving training on handwashing and the importance of sanitation. Her family now has access to safe drinking water and regularly practices proper hygiene, especially Sreytoch’s children.
After seeing the power of clean water at work in her own home, Sreytoch became a community advocate for clean water and family hygiene. She volunteers her time to educate her neighbours so that everyone can benefit from FH’s impact.
“I feel happy that FH Cambodia supported my family and educated us on everything,” Sreytoch shares. “Now my family spends less money buying water, my children go to school properly, and I have time to earn an income. I would like to say thank you to FH Cambodia for supporting my family and other poor households in my village.”