China-aided water project for rural schools in Cambodia completed

BATTAMBANG, Cambodia, April 25 (Xinhua) -- A water project for three primary schools aided by a Chinese charity in the remote area of Bavel district, about 90 km west of the Battambang provincial capital in northwest Cambodia, was completed on Monday.

Funded by the Chinese voluntary organization Amity Foundation through the Cambodian non-governmental organization Life With Dignity (LWD), the Living Water Project has been playing an important role in improving sanitation and environment in these schools, namely Preythom, Khlang and Kampo Steav, by building toilets, handwashing facilities and water systems.

Speaking at an online ceremony to mark the completion of the project on Monday, Chen Cheng, director of the Amity Foundation's education and international exchange division, said the foundation has been working in Cambodia since 2019, particularly in Battambang province with volunteers teaching Chinese and supporting sanitation and water project.

"We are very privileged to be able to support children of needy families in rural Cambodia," she said. "We hope that the donation made by Chinese people will help Cambodian children to continue their learning while keeping good hygienic routine and learning habits to study in a safe, caring and loving environment."

Chen said Chinese people are very happy to see the healthy and joyful development and achievements in academic studies of children in rural Cambodia.

LWD's Executive Director Suon Sopheap said the project starting from January to March 2022 has benefited a total of more than 500 students and 14 teachers.

"Now, they could have access to clean water and sanitary facilities easily," he said. "Take this opportunity, I'd like to thank the Amity Foundation, development partners, donors, Hong Kong SAR teachers, students, Alibaba Foundation Philanthropy, and all those who contributed to the construction of latrines, handwashing stations and water systems in the three primary schools."

Phon Phiroun, director of Preythom Primary School, said her school with 120 students has received two sanitary facilities with six latrines.

Sou Lihong, a sixth grade student at the Preythom Primary school, said he was very grateful to Chinese donors for providing them with school materials, handwashing facilities and latrines.

"All these materials are the most advantageous for all students, teachers, and community people to maintain good health and environment, and to avoid being infected with diseases transmitted from open defecation," he said.

"I'd like to make my determination that I will lead all of my classmates to keep the school compound clean and maintain all existing achievements under the Amity Foundation project for a long time use," he added.

At the end of the event, items donated by the Amity Foundation, including school uniforms, school materials and water bottles, were distributed to the students.