Cambodia

In Cambodia, our support starts with access to clean water. Since most of the land is flat, we build wells using simple, non-electric systems that local people can maintain themselves. Each well is shared by a group of 5–6 households who work together to take care of it. This setup helps nurture a sense of ownership—the feeling that “this is our water”— which is key to keeping the system running even after our direct support ends.

Next, we provide hygiene education alongside water access. Then, we support families with vegetable seeds, tools, and training to start home gardens—improving health and nutrition. With less time spent fetching water, children can go to school, and when needed, we even help build school facilities.

We also run small business training for women—like how to start a shop or café. Many women who were once tied down by the daily task of collecting water now gain the confidence and income to step into new roles in their communities.

Ethiopia

Just like in Cambodia, our support in Ethiopia begins with access to clean water, followed by hygiene education and women’s empowerment. In this mountainous country, we take advantage of the elevation differences to build gravity-fed water systems—no electricity needed. These systems can serve thousands of people, so local residents form a water management committee to maintain the system themselves. To build a sense of ownership, community members also join in the construction work and learn how to make repairs when needed.

When we first launched the project, some residents said, “There’s no way water will ever come out of a tap here.” But once the system was complete and they saw water flowing with their own eyes, their reaction was full of joy: “The water really comes out!” At first, it may seem unbelievable—but as life starts to improve, people begin to believe in the change and take an active role in shaping it.

One inspiring moment came during a recent project: a mother who had dropped out of primary school returned to her studies—alongside her own child—after being freed from the daily burden of fetching water.

As in Cambodia, we also offer women’s empowerment programs through training that supports income-generating activities, helping women build confidence and independence through small business opportunities.

Philippines

In the Philippines, we provide scholarships to Indigenous youth. The country is home to over 100 Indigenous groups, each with their own unique languages and cultures. However, many face discrimination and are excluded from public services, leading to poverty and a loss of cultural pride. As a result, many traditions are fading away.

To help preserve their heritage and create new possibilities, we offer young people from these communities the chance to pursue higher education. These future leaders become bridges between their communities and wider society—carrying their culture forward while helping shape a more inclusive future.