A Community on the Edge of Change

In the remote village of Cheuteal Jrom, in Pursat Province, life has long been defined by distance, uncertainty, and limited access to basic needs. Home to 191 families and 813 people, this is a community where daily life has been shaped by the search for water, access to services, and the challenges of isolation.

Families have walked for hours to collect water, often travelling long distances each day. Children have missed school to help at home, with the nearest school around 6 kilometres away. A trip to the health centre can mean a 12 kilometre journey on foot.

During the dry season, water sources have often run out completely, leaving families to choose between long, difficult journeys to find water or going without. Crops have failed without reliable irrigation, and food insecurity has been a constant challenge.

But change has begun.

Where We Are Now

Since the project began, significant progress has already been made through the partnership between HOPE NZ and our dedicated Cambodian team on the ground.

Five deep wells have been installed, providing clean, reliable water to 35 families and more than 200 people. For the first time, these families are entering the dry season without the fear of running out of water.

With water now close to home, families are beginning to grow more. Home gardens are expanding, and many are preparing for multiple harvests each year. What was once survival is slowly becoming sustainability.

Alongside this, the first latrines have been completed, improving hygiene, health, and dignity within the community. Education around sanitation is helping families better understand how to protect their health and prevent disease.

A new road is also under construction. When completed, it will stretch nearly four kilometres and connect Cheuteal Jrom to schools, healthcare, and local markets. This access will open up opportunities that have never before been within reach.

Challenges Along the Way

Like many projects in remote regions, progress has not been without challenges. Regional tensions have created uncertainty and temporarily slowed some aspects of the work, particularly road construction.

However, thanks to early progress and the resilience of the local team, key elements of the project are already in place. Work continues, and the commitment to this community remains strong.

Looking Ahead

The Cheuteal Jrom project is expected to continue through to late 2026 and early 2027. While much has been achieved, there is still more to be done.

One of the next goals for the community is education.

With basic needs increasingly being met, the opportunity now exists to invest in the future of the next generation. A proposed three-classroom school would allow children to learn safely, close to home, and build a future filled with possibility.

Be Part of the Story

This transformation is only possible because of people who choose to be part of it.

From clean water to food security, from access to dignity to hope for the future, every step forward is made possible through partnership.

We are seeing hope take root in Cheuteal Jrom and together, we can continue building a future that lasts.