East Meets West a program of Thrive Networks
On March 22, 2024, an impactful event took place at Tea Banh Primary School in Puok District, Siem Reap Province, marking the celebration of World Water Day. The event, organized by the Provincial Department of Rural Development (PDRD) Siem Reap in collaboration with East Meets West Foundation (EMWF), brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, local leaders, students, and members of the press.
With 329 participants in attendance, the event showcased a strong commitment to addressing water and sanitation challenges in the region. Among the attendees were representatives from various governmental departments, including the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), and partner organizations such as Water for Women Fund, IDE, and Eco-soap.
The event kicked off with welcoming speeches from esteemed dignitaries, including Mr. Sin Chanthol, District Governor of Puok District, and Ms. Alison Baker, Manager of Water for Women Fund. Their remarks underscored the importance of collaboration and collective action in advancing water and sanitation initiatives.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in various activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting inclusive, climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems. Notable highlights included lucky draw questions and discussions led by school children, as well as visits to WASH stands featuring innovative solutions like eco-soap and plastic bio-sand filters.
The event culminated in a collective pledge to prioritize WASH efforts and work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Participants expressed their enthusiasm for future collaborations and initiatives aimed at addressing water-related challenges in the community.
In conclusion, the World Water Day celebration in Siem Reap Province was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of partnerships and collective action in promoting access to clean water and sanitation facilities. As we reflect on this meaningful event, we look forward to continued collaboration and progress in our shared mission of ensuring water security and resilience for all.
At the heart of our programs are strong partnerships with government, private sector, civil society groups, and local communities. We also implement learning and feedback strategies to strengthen our approaches to promoting gender and socially inclusive WASH practices in our partner communities.