How does unclean water affect a child’s education?
Water is also a major problem for schools in Chhloung. Instead of spending their time learning at school, many children must help collect water. “The well at my school doesn’t work, so we need to ask students to work in shifts to get water from the creek for general use at school and for the school toilet,” says primary school teacher Ms Pech.
“We really need a clean water system for our school to educate students about sanitation and hygiene, and to keep them and our community healthy,” she says.
Lack of access to water and sanitation not only affects children’s health but for many girls it can mean an end to their education. Shared facilities with boys, or having no access to toilets at all, is a common reason for young girls to drop out of school, particularly once they reach puberty.
The toilet at 14-year-old Sopheany’s school has no water during the summer, which means it is out of action for half the year. Students have no other choice than to go to the field or forest nearby. “Sometimes I feel shy to go in the forest during class time, so I skip it until I return back home after class,” says Sopheany.
We are committed to providing children in Chhloung with access to safe and clean water
ChildFund Cambodia, which has been working in Chhloung district since 2011, is helping to provide better access to safe water and proper sanitation facilities for children at school. By consulting with communities, ChildFund has developed a project focused on equipping schools with toilets, wells and hand-washing facilities so children can focus on their education instead of the need to fetch water.
Are you committed to a world where all children are able to drink clean water? Donate now to support our projects across South East Asia.
