Head of the Classroom Management Committee, Ms. Heng Pisey, 42 years old, strongly believes that solving water-related concerns and ensuring that students have access to safe and dependable drinking water sources in school and their communities can significantly enhance their overall health and academic performance.

Ms. Pisey and her husband, Mr. Kem Ath, reside in Thnal Chheu Teal Village, Phlov Tuk Commune, Kampong Leaeng District, Kampong Chhnang Province. They have four children, two of whom have graduated from high school and are currently engaged in farming. The other two children are currently studying in Phlov Tuk primary and preschool.

The couple earns a living through farming, fishing, running a small home grocery store, and renting out a movable reception hall for cultural ceremonies and weddings. Ms. Pisey has been known for proactive involvement in engaging and providing financial support to the local authorities to improve the community's infrastructure and development of school buildings.

Ms. Pisey was back then unaware that she could play a direct role in supporting the management of the Phlov Tuk primary and preschool until the Generating Resilient Environments and Promoting Socio-economic Development of the East Tonle Sap Lake (GREEN) project was introduced in early 2021. The project is co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF).

The GREEN project has launched a basic education program aimed at supporting schools in Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Thom, and Pursat Provinces to establish committees for classroom and school management and to enhance the important role of the community. The project has provided capacity training to teachers in teaching methodologies and planning, supported schools in campaigns to mobilize students to return to schools, and increased community awareness of environmental protection. The project also offers financial support to renovate and decorate schools with learning materials.

Ms. Pisey was elected as the head of the Classroom Management Committee for the academic year 2022-2023 because she had a commendable presence, which gave her credibility. In this role, she oversees the needs of students and mobilizes support and funds to improve study materials. In addition, she was responsible for managing and distributing 13 water gallons, each containing 20 liters of drinking water, to Phlov Tuk and Pralay Meas Primary Schools. These schools have a total of 1,699 students who consume the entire supply daily.

“I am delighted to be part of the GREEN project. Being head of the Classroom Management Committee gave me new experience and built my knowledge of administering, speaking, and understanding the current educational context,” Ms. Pisey said. “Consuming contaminated water can result in several health issues and illnesses due to harmful bacteria and viruses. I consider it a blessing to contribute towards providing safe drinking water to all these students, which can protect them from such health risks.”

Ms. Pisey sells drinking water to the community at 2,000 riels per gallon. She can sell up to 40 gallons a day, serving 882 families. She donates 300 riels per gallon to the student council to buy trash bins, classroom materials, and other expenses at the Phlov Tuk primary and preschool.

Mr. Thorn Sopheak, 42 years old, the school's deputy principal, found managing the school without involvement from the community and student’s parents challenging. The lack of resource and support from them make it hard for the school to maintain proper environmental learning and ensuring clean water for children.  But since Ms. Pisey joined the Classroom Management Committee, she has taken steps to improve the school's well-being.

“She has been actively involved in improving children’s education by helping renovate schools and classrooms, installing lights and fans, and providing school supplies for children,” he said.

Mr. Van Chorn, 65 years old and head of the School Management Committee, also acknowledges Ms. Pisey’s efforts and expresses his gratitude for the support provided by the GREEN project, co-funded by the EU and NRF.

“The support has responded to the current needs of both schools and the community. Access to safe drinking water is the basic need of the students and villagers here,” he said.

Ket Tangly, an 11-year-old sixth grader, reiterated the challenge he and his peers encountered with the lack of safe drinking water.

“In the past, when we were thirsty, we had to drink water collected from the river without filtering it or sometimes had to buy bottled water, which was expensive,” he said, adding that they are now happy and feel safe coming to school.

Interviewed by: Chhorn Bunchhum, GREEN program officer

Written by: Taing Vida, Communications and Campaign Manager

Photographed by: Yous Ratha, Communications Officer

Review by: Chin Kethya, Donor Reporting Specialist