WASH-ing up in Cambodia

WASH (Water, Sanitation and Health) is one of the most important issues for children in times of flood.

Devastating flooding along the Mekong in Cambodia has left people without homes, work, schools and, in some cases, safe water or food. In Prey Vang province 95% of the area is still under up to three metres of water. Around 1.2 million people in 17 provinces have been affected.

Save the Children has launched an emergency response to provide emergency assistance to save lives, alleviate suffering and support recovery of children and their families in the worst-affected areas.

Water-borne diseases thrive in situations like this and children are the most vulnerable.

Save the Children’s emergency response in Cambodia covers a wide range of problems, from making sure people have food, to helping get schools back up and running.

Funds sent by Save the Children New Zealand through its Children’s Emergency Fund will be used to ensure that flood-affected children have safe drinking water and toilets in their schools.

Save the Children will renovate water systems and sanitation and hygiene facilities including wells and toilets in ten schools.

This will include setting up or repairing rain water catchment systems that can be an on-going drinking water source or a support for the school garden as well as the hygiene facilities at the school.

Because local water isn’t always safe to drink, Save the Children will also provide water filters. Children will be taught safe hygiene practices and sanitation materials such as soap will be provided.

This will benefit around 4,000 children, who will be able to continue their education in safe, clean conditions.