Call For RI Maryborough to Help Change Lives in Cambodia
Last week, Dr Brian Humphrey of RI Geelong East grabbed our attention with a powerful story of the history and significant needs of Cambodia, his message on this occasion being: Fresh Water Changes Lives! Dr Humphrey is visiting the District's Clubs in a quest to raise $60,000 to establish well, low tech water purification, improve rainwater collection and build a larger water purification plant to change the lives of thousands of Cambodian families. Dr Humphrey has visited and worked in Cambodia for over 24 years including 2.5 years as a volunteer. He gave a potted history of the genocide and descruction in Cambodia since WWII with consequences such as limited infrastructure and expertise, persisting landmine devestation and psychological distress manifesting in family violence, self medication and the reluctance of individuals to speak out and effect change.
The project's pilot program was funded by a Rotary District Grant of AU$6,000 which resulted in the installation of 6 wells benefiting of 92 families comprising 286 individuals of whom 156 are children. Successful partnerships were made with RI Phnom Penh and the Cambodian Organisation for Children and Development, RI Geelong East and the District Foundation Committee.
Implementation of the project involved training modules, establishment of management committees and gave ownership of the project to the locals. The grant was accommpanied by reinforcement of the need for children (no longer compelled to assist for hours each day in water collection) to attend school.
To date the project has raised AU$12.5K and RI Maryborough is asked to contribute funds to this worthwhile project towards the target of $60,000.