World Habitat Day Celebration Successfully Concluded
happy and proud at the end of the program that we were able to teach the children properly and successfully,” shared Eang Linda the student representative from Pannasastra University. “I’m more than excited to see a lot of hopeful children and happy that they can finally understand proper hygiene and sanitation. I find that this is such a useful program that really helps lead children and their families to live healthy lives,” she continued. The volunteer activity in Siem Reap which concludes the “Clean Homes, Healthy Community” program has recruited over 150 volunteers from different local universities in Siem Reap to assist more than 29 families and over 100 students and community children with the house cleaning, community clean-up and hygiene event. World Habitat Day group photo
“I am thrilled and so excited that I’m able to volunteer and working alongside the families in the village. I never expect that we can be of help. This is my very first social service, but I’m sure it’s not my last,” said Seak Sithorn, 3rd year Marketing major student from Mekong University in Siem Reap.
District, Siem Reap Province.
Guided by Habitat for Humanity’s global theme for World Habitat Day 2012, “Many Homes, One Community,” this activity highlights the dynamic roles that safe, decent and affordable housing plays in community stabilization and development by demonstrating the importance Continuing throughout October and Novem- of personal hygiene and cleanliness within ber, Habitat for Humanity Cambodia along homes and communities they live in. with affiliated organizations joined together to celebrate and highlight the World Habitat Day “I had so much fun at the hygiene event with in different projects areas. After the two events students from the local primary school and the in Battambang and Phnom Penh in September community children. I had a chance to work and October, Habitat Cambodia once again as- together with my friends and other volunteers sembled volunteers from different universities to teach the kids the significance of proper hysuch as Build Bright University, Mekong Uni- giene in their daily lives. I was shocked that the versity and Pannasastra University. Commu- kids did not know how to wash their hands and nity members also joined the activity in Pouk clean their bodies properly at first, but I was Issu e 47 |
1
| D e ce m b e r 2 0 1 2
To maximize the opportunity to serve and to raise awareness on proper sanitation to the local students and community members, Habitat Cambodia also celebrated the World Toilet Day through a one-minute big squat with all the participants and villagers. The Big Squat is a symbolic mass activity that helps raise global awareness on the struggle that 2.6 billion people around the world face every day without access to proper toilets. World Toilet Day also brings to the forefront the health, emotional and psychological consequences the poor endure as a result of inadequate sanitation. Mr. Sor Sitheng, a professor and a leader of the students from Mekong University excitedly shared at the end of the program, “It is a very good program and I’m glad that my students had a chance to get involved in this event. I believe activities such as this will not stop within this
Top Stories community given the commitment we gained from all our students. Community service will surely spread to other places and the sense of volunteerism amongst more youth. This activity
Issu e 47 |
2
| D e ce m b e r 2 0 1 2
is not only teaching the community members, it is also a great way for our students to learn and to realize the real needs and the living condition of their own people. I’m looking forward to the
new opportunities to serve our communities, and I’m ready to encourage hundreds more students to volunteer for the next one with Habitat for Humanity Cambodia.�
Top Stories Housing Kits Distributed to Social Land Concession Beneficiaries 7,380 sheets of zinc were distributed to 123 families in 13 Makara, Chamkar Russey, and O’kcheay Villages, Prek Preaksdach district, Battambang City, Battambang on 14 December by Habitat for Humanity and government partners. With the housing kits the families are able to supplement their housing repair activities and complete the construction of new houses on their newly allocated legal land plots that they recently received along with the land certificates. “The zinc sheets support many families in my village to finish the construction and repair of their houses. This also builds-up their confidence towards the process of land tenure distribution with a demonstration of the positive movement of our project. It has been a long process, but we are happy about the delivery of tasks as we’ve seen today. I have strong faith in this project; it will surely be able to reach its goal of delivering secure land tenure to families like mine,” says Mr. Phon Pho the Community Leader in O’kcheay Village. The project called Strengthening Civil Society Government Partnership to Deliver Secure Land Tenure began its work in Battambang in 2008 supported my Japan Social Development Fund through The World Bank. HFH Cambodia has made significant steps in leading the program by working closely with all levels of the government (national, provincial, municipal and commune) and strengthening awareness on Social Land Concession. The aim of this in-
Issu e 47 |
3
| D e ce m b e r 2 0 1 2
H.E Uy Ry symbolically hands zinc sheets to home partners
novative project is to provide each existing family with a legal plot located about 2km South East of Battambang’s city center (the Garden Area). The World Bank funding has allowed the project to build three community Centers, 8 lines of road and drainage system along with some housing loans to support the water and electricity connection needs of the families at the end of the project. So far, 99 concrete columns and 123 bamboo columns have been marked to define the boundary of the legal land plots on the Social Land Concession areas. As a result, 80% of the
families have started building houses on the new legal land plot and the other 20% are in the process of completing their land filling and are getting ready for their own housing projects. The construction of new road and drainage system will start early 2013. The housing kit distribution was attended by H.E Uy Ry, the Deputy Governor of Battambang Province, representatives from The World Bank, local authorities, local and international partner organizations and other community members in the villages. Each housing kit contained 60 zinc sheets.
Highlights New House Designs Dedicated Three new house designs have been added to the range of brick houses, wooden houses, and the hand-made soil block house that HFH Cambodia is offering its home partners. These new designs include the Modified House, the Garden House and the Big Roof House. 3 house models were constructed for two weeks by the US GV volunteer team in November headed by Neale Kemp, 2011 Asia Pacific Nehemiah Awardee for Distinguished Volunteer Service. The new house models provide families with more options in order to meet their needs and suit their capacities in the most cost-efficient ways. Upon the completion of the build, the house leaders shared their thoughts about their experience of building new house designs. Neale Kemp on the Garden House: On his 9th volunteer experience with Habitat Cambodia said, “We are very excited about working on this new house designs. It has been challenging since we were expected to work with new construction methods. I really like the concept behind the Garden House. The higher roof, air block along with additional doors and windows allow the family to be free from
heat during the daytime. Plus, this house adds Mern Oeun, a single mother, shared, “this is value to the family - the shade, protection and a beautiful design with a nice roof, open floor and space, which promises the my family the more space for their privacy.” chance to build a second floor later.” “I love my new home so much. It has a lovely different look, it leaves my family an extra Ralph Ruocco on the Big Roof House room with its second floor space. The small “This is another great design idea with new garden gives us fresher air ,” said Chhun materials added such as pressed cement board. I have no apprehension for the new Phearum during the house dedication. design because the tasks are mainly related to Andy Cullen on the Modified House: On his 5th the timberwork which I have plenty of expeGV volunteer work with Habitat Cambodia, rience back at my hometown. Furthermore, Andy shared, “It has been my honor to come the team and I are enjoying building this new back to support the Cambodian people once house and we made good progress. I believe again, and this time I feel more special for a the family has many benefits from this design new chance to work on a totally new house with the space provided; the new feature of design by Habitat Cambodia. This is a good mansion, and large space of poach that they indication, which means families are having can use for different purposes,” said Ralph more housing options. Before our arrival, I during his 4th GV volunteer work with Habiwas a bit concerned about the challenges we tat Cambodia. might face, but things turned out positively. With the support from the skilled workers “The house looks amazing to me and I really and Construction Supervisor, we were able to love it. I’m happy about the second floor, the deal with our work effectively. I’ll absolutely big spacious shade from the big roof I have. come back to Cambodia and see how the fam- I’ll take very good care of my house for my ily has made use of their new home and how children,” said Try Than with a huge smile on her face. this new design has served more families.”
Neale Kepm
Andy Cullen
Ralph Ruocco
Garden House
Modified house
Big Roof House during build clean-up
Issu e 47 |
4
| D e ce m b e r 2 0 1 2
Highlights Korea Securities Depository Helps Molopor Community, Andong The Korea Securities Depository, KSD has chosen to team up with Habitat for Humanity Cambodia in serving 2 families, 1 community and a school in Andong, Phnom Penh early this month. Ten KSD employees came to Cambodia to represent their company on its sponsorship. The team worked together with Keo Sambath family in building one brick house and in the construction of a Community Center for Molopor Community, Khan Por Senchey. Apart from building, the KSD team donated a playground and assisted in the installation of materials in Kork Roka Primary School, which was also located in Malopor Commu-
nity. The team took the opportunity to enrich their community service by organizing a Hand Washing Hygiene Promotion event which mainly educated the 150 school children and community people about the need for proper hygiene and sanitation. The team’s commitment and hard work during the 4-day special build inspired the home partner and the community people to strive to better their living condition and to have new hope for the future. “I had so much fun working with the volunteers. They are very friendly and their help allowed me to build my house. This is an unforgettable experience for my family and me. With our new
Skilled Workers’ Refresher Training onstrate the values, habits and attitudes that contribute to a supportive, productive and safe working environment, and the application of skills in effective monitoring of construction systems and products.
To ensure consistent quality of construction work of Habitat Cambodia skilled workers, a one day Refresher Training on Construction Skills was organized by HFH Cambodia Construction team on December 26. The objectives of the training are to demonstrate basic skills required of a skilled worker for an efficient and effective delivery of alternative solutions to housing needs, demIssu e 47 |
5
| D e ce m b e r 2 0 1 2
“It was a really useful training. I regained and I am reminded of a lot of the things I learned before that I may miss out on during some contruction work, because I sometimes focus too much on the construction work but not on preparation for the build site. I’m happy that I was given this chance to join the training again. I will make sure I remember everything I was reminded about and make sure that I practice all in every build,” shared Uy Sophon. The training was attended by 15 skilled workers and including HFH Cambodia Volunteer Program Unit.
house, my family is now able to live happily, safely and healthily. Plus I’ll be able to reduce my expense that used to go towards rent and increase our savings,” said Keo Sambath.
Viva Volunteers Global Village Wrap Up November 10 to 24: A group of 23 members led by Neale Kemp worked with Habitat for Humanity and 3 home partners in completing the building of three new model houses in Trapaing Anhchanh community, Posenchey District, Phnom Penh. The build was packed with challenges, but the team was able to accomplish all the construction work needed to complete the three houses for the families. Everyone involved celebrated their achievements together in concluding the 2-week build after the dedications. November 17 to 23: A 16-member Global Village volunteer team from Korean International School built two houses for families in Bekchan Commune, Ang Snoul District, Phnom Penh. After a week of working alongside the home partners, the Korean team was able to complete the build of one brick house and a concrete foundation for another house. The group had an emotional sharing during the house dedication and finished with a fun farewell lunch with skilled workers and home partners. December 03 to 06: Members of the very first Malaysian team ever to come to Cambodia under the Global Village program say – “this won’t be the last.” The team showed commitment to serving the community people in need of hygiene and sanitation in Pouk District Siem Reap. During their build, the team from Sinclair Knight Merx Company was able to finish four latrines for the community members and celebrated together with the community people and kids with lots of singing and dancing. The team was comprised of 12 members who were grateful for the experience and knowledge they gained about the needs in rural Cambodia. December 10 to 15: A big group of students and teachers from Prince Alfred College School Australia worked with Habitat Cambodia in building safe and decent houses for Issu e 47 |
6
| D e ce m b e r 2 0 1 2
Global Village Teams
Volunteer voice two families in Bekchan Commune, Ang Snoul District, Phnom Penh. The team excitedly worked alongside the home partners in building both brick houses. Apart from their brick laying and cement mixing tasks, the team also made sure they toured the city. December 10 to 16: Another Korean Global Village volunteer team from the Korea Securities Depository came to support people in Molopor Community, Porsenchey District, Phnom Penh. The team was able to accomplish many tasks including completing the build of one brick house, a community center, a playground in Kork Rokar Primary School. The team also organized a hygiene and sanitation event in the school. The team happily celebrated their success with the skilled workers, students, homeowner and community people in Molopor Community. KSD has sponsored the building of 2 houses, a community center and a school playground.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Cambodia. Be part of a Global Village volunteer team. Visit this site for more information: http://www.habitat.org/gv/
Issu e 47 |
7
| D e ce m b e r 2 0 1 2
Special Feature HFH Cambodia Celebrates the Yuletide Holidays
Upcoming Events and Legal Holidays 28 December – 06 January Global Village team from USA in Siem Reap
01 January International New Year
07 January Victory Over Genecide Day
13 – 27 January Global Village team from Canada in Siem Reap
14 – 26 January Global Village team from Korea in Phnom Penh
15 – 19 January Global Village team from China in Phnom Penh
18 – 27 January Global Village team from Australia in Phnom Penh
New Faces SQUAT for World Toilet Day, Siem Reap
Please contact Oep Oann at oep_oann@habitatcambodia. org
Please join HFH Cambodia in welcoming Oep Oann our newest Program Manager based in Siem Reap. Oann brings with him years of experience working with environment conservation programs.
Issu e 47 |
8
| D e ce m b e r 2 0 1 2
Or Kun! Habitat for Humanity Cambodia says thank you to our corporate and international partners and our affiliate tithe donors. Together, we will continue improving lives and building communities in Cambodia. A F F I L I AT E D O N O R S : Habitat for Humanity GREATER LOS ANGELES
Habitat for Humanity AUSTRALIA
Habitat for Humanity GREATER LOWELL
Habitat for Humanity GREAT BRITAIN
Habitat for Humanity GREATER BOSTON
Habitat for Humanity NEW ZEALAND
Habitat for Humanity EAGLE & LAKE COUNTIES Habitat for Humanity INLAND VALLEY Habitat for Humanity DESERT FOOTHILLS Habitat for Humanity NORTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY Habitat for Humanity DOUGLAS COUNTY Habitat for Humanity METRO DENVER Habitat for Humanity METRO WEST / GREATER WORCESTER Habitat for Humanity WEST HAWAII Habitat for Humanity OAKLAND COUNTY, MI WEST PASCO Habitat for Humanity ST. JOSEPH Habitat for Humanity, MO Habitat for Humanity GREATER BIRMINGHAM Habitat for Humanity GUAM Daimler Financial Services, GERMANY Habitat for Humanity CINCINNATI Habitat for Humanity of EAST KING COUNTY
I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T N E R S :
Habitat for Humanity CANADA SAN GABRIEL VALLEY Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity MALAYSIA UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURG Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity of ST VRAIN VALLEY WESTMINSTER COLLEGE Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity GERMANY HONOLULU Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity SEATTLE-KING COUNTY CENTRAL DELAWARE Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity ANCHORAGE SAN DIEGO Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity International - USA Global Village Volunteers Habitat for Humanity CHINA (Hong Kong) Habitat for Humanity NORTH CENTRAL GEORGIA Habitat for Humanity HARDIN COUNTY, Inc. The Charitable Foundation, Elton John AIDS Foundation, International Children’s Care Australia, World Bank, Japan Social Development Fund, Asian Development Bank, Paul and Aileen Munn, World Vision Cambodia, and Guernsey Overseas Aid Commission
L O C A L PA R T N E R S :
Khemara, Maryknoll, Sharing Experience for Adapted Experience, Sihanouk Hospital Center of Hope, Save the Children
C O R P O R AT E PA R T N E R S :
ANZ Royal Bank, Khmer Solar, Davies Paints Philippines, Hotel Cambodiana, Korea Cadastral Survey Corporation, BUNGE, SC Johnson, Korea Securities Depository
U N I V E R S I T I E S A N D S C H OO L P A R T N E R S :
Pannasastra University of Cambodia, Build Bright University, Royal University Phnom Penh, University of Cambodia, Collaborative Studio, Mekong University, Fulbright and Undergraduate State Alumni Association of Cambodia
Join HFH Cambodia’s Social Media Network! Become a Fan or join our Cause on Facebook http://www.causes.com/causes/260473-habitat-for-humanity-cambodia Follow Habitat Cambodia Tweets http://twitter.com/#!/HabitatCambodia Visit our website http://www.habitatcambodia.org HFH Cambodia address: #35Bis, St. 478, Phsar Duem Tkov Commune, Chamkar Mon District, Phnom Penh City, P.O Box: 2452 Phnom Penh 3 Tel/Fax: (855) 23 997 840 E-mail: info@habitatcambodia.org