Today was the day that we got to go deep into the practical application of what World Vision does to transform lives here in Cambodia. What I saw today is the model World Vision uses around the world in developing countries to create a system of education and development that empowers the local community to be part of the lasting change to their health and welfare.
We traveled a few hours south of Phnom Penh to a community known as Phnom Srouch where we spent time at a World Vision Area Development Project (ADP). After being greeted and meeting staff we traveled further into more remote regions and spent time at the village of Peam Khave. I am still trying to wrap my head around this one, but we were told by our guides that we were the first Americans to have ever visited this village. Through our interpreter we spent the day speaking with the village leaders, families and children. My goal was to try and get a sense of what the village felt about World Vision walking along side of them as a partner in their development. What I saw was a series of miracles.
Here is a snapshot of what World Vision has done in partnership with this community just in the last few years:
-They have dug a deep water reservoir pond to hold clean water in the dry season.
-They have established a self funded community medical insurance policy where all the villagers contribute to a group fund and then help each other individually when a medical need arises.
-They have created a Rice Bank where all the community contributes rice in a community storage facility and gives it out to the most needy when their food supply runs out.
-Through awareness and education, World Vision has dramatically dropped the rate of domestic violence and have liberated the women of the community. One man explained to us that “peace” has come to their village like never before.
-About 1/3 of the children of this village are sponsored now and are clothed and educated in the World Vision sponsorship program.
Other than that, a Children’s Club has been created to give children a voice in their community and a place to belong. We were honored guests at the second ever meeting of this club of about 100 children who sang us songs, presented us with their art and gave an overview of their purpose and plans for the future.
The miracle of transformation does not happen quickly. We spoke with 3 generations of people in this village and transformation is evident and clear in the minds and hearts of everyone there. It is so cool to see how World Vision is such a trusted partner to people in Cambodia! Everywhere I go see I see the effects of what it means to be there, day after day, month after month, year after year.
