Prin Hai volunteers with FH Cambodia in her neighborhood as a Health Volunteer. Her family, including her son-in-law, resides in a two-floor wood-frame house that measures 8m x 12m. The majority of her family members have access to latrines, a clean home environment, and handwashing stations. This is the result of frequent training, outreach, and meetings with Health Volunteers.

“I’ve known about the FH Cambodia organization for many years, ever since they held a meeting to select a Hope Group Volunteer for Health. The commune council committee encouraged me to attend, and I was selected,” she explained.

“Since becoming a Health Volunteer, I’ve received training in general health and hygiene, including handwashing, environment cleaning, how to make three types of porridge, proper garbage disposal, the importance of using latrines and general latrine care, using clean water and drinking safe water, preparing nutritious food, and proper care of women during pregnancy and childbirth.

“I believe that what has changed most about me as a result is that I have developed courage, learned health knowledge, and have had positive interactions with my neighbors, other Health Volunteers, and the community.

“My family uses the latrine. We see that it reduces numerous diseases that formerly resulted in time and financial loss. It also contributes to maintaining a feces-free atmosphere. Additionally, we learned how to correctly wash our hands, and we now understand the crucial role that handwashing plays in preventing a variety of viral illnesses, which has been all the more important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am now confident in sharing all of the knowledge I’ve gained from Health Community Staff with my neighbors. And I realize that all of this is possible as a consequence of the encouragement I’ve received from FH Cambodia workers, who visit me on a regular basis,” she added.

Prin Hai’s home is constantly clean, she and her family consume safe drinking water, and they have a latrine.

“I am willing to share new health lessons with my neighbors about such topics as handwashing, COVID-19, social separation, dengue fever, and the recommendation to drink only filtered water,” she said.

“Today, I see that the majority of families in our community have latrines, keep their homes and the area around them clean, and use handwashing stations and trash bins.”

Additionally, she said, many now participate in community development activities, including village community saving group and children’s clubs, available in each village.

“They have village development committees, and hope group volunteer opportunities for agriculture, health, and education. They plant crops, raise animals, and they use a waterpipe system,” she added.