Giving babies a healthy start with water
For Sophon, there was nothing beautiful about the water-related burdens she endured much of her life in rural Cambodia. She wanted to end those burdens for her son.
Read MoreCambodia
Cambodia's water and sanitation crisis
Approximately 4 million people out of the total population in Cambodia lack access to safe water, and 2 million lack access to improved sanitation. With approximately 80 percent of Cambodians living in rural areas, poor access to safe water and sanitation disproportionately affects its rural communities. Although Cambodia has one the fastest growing economies in Asia, the GDP per capita still remains low compared to neighboring countries, and access to affordable financing for water and sanitation remains a barrier for families in need to secure water connections and toilets for their homes.
Access to affordable financing for water and sanitation remains a barrier for families in need of safe water and sanitation in Cambodia.
Our impact in Cambodia
Cambodia is an ideal environment for our WaterCredit solution. A well-developed microfinance sector in a country with high water and sanitation needs represents an excellent platform for expanding access to affordable financing for water supply and sanitation improvements. Water.org launched activities and laid the groundwork in Cambodia in 2014 with funding from the New Ventures Fund — a pool of flexible philanthropic funding that allows the organization to pursue key research and development efforts.
Water.org is now working with five local microfinance institutions to meet the demand of low-income families. Our partners started lending activities in the fall of 2016, after finalizing market research and loan product development. Our team is working towards an ambitious goal of reaching more than 300,000 people in the next three years. Additionally, we are providing supply chain development support in an effort to reduce supply chain challenges and increase impact in the field.
Stories of people we empower in Cambodia
For Thy's girls
“No father wants his daughters unsafe just because they don’t have water at home.” Heartfelt words spoken from a father raising two girls in rural Cambodia.
Read MoreFear to freedom
Concerned for their daughters’ safety, this couple found a solution that empowered them to stop fearing what could go wrong, and start thinking about what could go right.
Read MoreTo help us reach more people in need of safe water and sanitation in Cambodia, donate today.
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