From Financial Hardship to Community Leadership: Reaksmey’s Journey to Bring Clean Water to Families in Rural Cambodia

At just 27 years old, Reaksmey from TaPhou Commune in Svay Chek District, Banteay Meanchey Province, has transformed her own life while helping improve the health and well-being of dozens of families in her community.

As the eldest of three siblings, Reaksmey's childhood was shaped by poverty. Financial hardship forced her to leave school after Grade 12 in 2016 so that she could help support her family.

“My family faced many financial challenges, and I had to stop studying to earn an income and help my parents,” Reaksmey recalled. “At the time, I never imagined that one day I would be leading a community initiative that benefits so many families.”

Everything began to change when World Vision's Area Development Programme started working in her community. Recognising her potential and commitment to serving others, World Vision selected Reaksmey as a youth volunteer and provided her with extensive training in facilitation, document management, community engagement, and problem-solving.

For a young woman who previously had limited opportunities for personal development, the experience became a turning point.

“World Vision gave me opportunities to learn, grow, and discover my abilities,” said Reaksmey. “Through the training and practical experience, I gained confidence and learned how to work with communities, local authorities, and different stakeholders.”

As her skills and confidence grew, Reaksmey began leading community development activities. She helped raise awareness about children's rights, educated families on the importance of clean water, and mobilized youth groups to address local challenges.

Her dedication and strong volunteer spirit quickly earned the trust of community members.

When World Vision partnered with the Provincial Department of Rural Development to establish a clean water system in Pongro Village, community members elected Reaksmey as Head of the Clean Water Management Committee.

Today, she leads a five-member committee responsible for managing the TaPhou Chokchey Clean Water Station, ensuring the reliable daily supply of safe water to local residents. She oversees administrative records, monitors income and expenditures, and supports transparent financial management of the station.

“When I first took on this role, I had very little knowledge about water system management, financial recording, or community coordination,” she explained. “There were many challenges, but the support, training, and encouragement from World Vision staff and local authorities helped me develop the skills I needed.”

Reaksmey's leadership has contributed to tangible improvements in the lives of families throughout the community. Beyond managing the water station, she actively promotes clean water connections for vulnerable households, especially those living far from traditional water sources.

As a result, 104 families now have access to safe, clean water close to their homes.

For many households, this has meant no longer spending hours each day collecting water from distant sources. Families have improved hygiene practices, reduced health risks, and gained more time for productive activities. Children, in particular, now have more time to focus on their education instead of helping fetch water.

“Seeing families receive clean water at their homes is one of my proudest achievements,” said Rasmey. “Children are healthier, parents spend less time collecting water, and households can focus on improving their lives.”

According to Mr. Bun Sab, Head of the TaPhou Commune Council, the Pongro Chokchey Clean Water Station was established through a collaboration between the Department of Rural Development and World Vision. The station was completed on December 28, 2025, and officially launched on February 1, 2026.

He noted that the station was created with a simple but powerful vision: ensuring that every child has access to clean water and every family enjoys better health.

The management committee—three of whose five members are women—continues to implement plans aimed at improving operational efficiency, maintaining water quality, increasing access to safe water, and promoting good hygiene practices throughout the community.

For Reaksmey, the journey is about much more than clean water. It is about creating lasting change for children and families.

“I joined World Vision because I wanted to help vulnerable children and families,” she said. “I believe every child deserves good health, protection from disease, and the opportunity to thrive.”

Through her involvement with World Vision, Reaksmey has built skills in community development, child protection, teamwork, communication, project implementation, and stakeholder engagement. Equally important, she has gained a deeper understanding of accountability, integrity, and community participation—qualities that continue to guide her leadership.

Looking ahead, Rasmey remains committed to ensuring the sustainability of the Pongro Chokchey Clean Water Station and expanding its impact.

“My goal is to ensure that our community continues to have reliable access to safe clean water for years to come,” she said. “I also want to strengthen the capacity of our committee members and reach even more families with clean water and health awareness.”

From a young girl forced to leave school because of poverty to a respected community leader improving the lives of others, Reaksmey's journey demonstrates how investing in local youth can create lasting change. With support from World Vision, she has not only transformed her own future but is also helping build a healthier future for children and families across her community.