We are thrilled to announce our latest involvement in a project set to transform lives in rural Cambodia: the Cambodia Clean Water and Toilets Project (CCWTP). We're partnering with fellow Rotary Clubs to build essential sanitation facilities in the village of Peam, near Siem Reap—a vital step toward better health, education, and community well-being.
Sanitation for a brighter future
In Peam, many families lack clean water and proper toilets, leading to health issues that keep children out of school and limit adult employment opportunities. Around Siem Reap, poor sanitation fuels diseases, but CCWTP is changing that one village at a time. By providing washroom toilets, the project aims to improve hygiene, boost school attendance, and lay the foundation for better education and economic growth.
Through a collaborative Global Grant application led by the Rotary Club of Shepparton South, the initiative aims to build 66 household washroom toilets over six months. The project will be delivered by CCWTP—an established NGO founded in 2015 with full charity status in Australia. Led by passionate Australian Rotarian Darrel Streer, CCWTP has years of experience in building sustainable toilets in villages and schools.
Multiplying impact
Thanks to Rotary World of Difference (WOD), Rotary Hawthorn is contributing to District 9800’s Designated Funds (DDF), with a matching amount provided to the Rotary Club of Central Melbourne. Additional commitments come from the Rotary Clubs of Euroa, Mooroopna, Tatura, and other clubs in District 9790, which is also providing DDF. With additional funding from the Rotary International World Fund, the project target is around US$42,000.
Building on our legacy in Cambodia
Hawthorn has a long history of support in Cambodia, such as funding the shipment of hospital beds and medical equipment from Donations in Kind to fit out a trauma ward in Kampong Spue. More recently, we contributed to renovating a school building and adding new toilets at Prey Tortueng Primary School near Siem Reap. That hands-on effort was led by Katrina Flinn and a group from Victoria Police Legacy—a project that directly benefited hundreds of students and teachers by improving classrooms, equipment, and sanitation.
The Peam Village project builds on this legacy and aligns with Rotary’s mission to fight disease, provide clean water, and promote education. Thanks to our dedicated member, Katrina Flinn, who brought this opportunity to our club.