CAMBODIA
As we walked through the slums of Phnom Penh with the community leaders directing us to the most needy, children held our hands and made us feel welcome. As we glanced at the poverty around us, we had to wonder at the smile on these children’s faces. Being content with what you have is a beautiful thing, even if it means kicking a ball that no longer holds air or turning an empty milk carton and soda lids into a make-shift truck with wheels. What made us sad was the bloated bellies; signs of parasites and malnutrition.
“Children under 15 are almost three times more likely to die from diarrhea, cholera and other diseases linked to unsafe water and sanitation than they are from direct violence” ~ UNICEF
The good news is today we have 25 water filters for this community. Each filter means clean water for 3 families because Cambodians are willing to share among their neighbors. With each water filter, we give anti-parasite medicine so each family’s health can reboot without diarrhea to block the way.
We explain the simple back flushing to keep the filter flowing properly. It’s something so easy, even a 5th grader can do it. The filter will give them water for 10 years with good maintenance.
The time in each home also gives us the opportunity to teach about hygiene and sanitation. If they are suffering from any stomach ailments related to parasites, this is a sure win. The best win is how the children will benefit long term from the clean water. Their little bodies will no longer have to compete against parasites to absorb nutrition from food and they will grow strong.
These smiles are a sweet reward for our work today.
