Diarrhea and stomach aches are commonplace, an unavoidable problem. Bacteria in untreated water account for untold lost work days, school days, and chronic illness and suffering there.

World Renew partners with locally established and managed development organizations in Cambodia. In 2016, we began working with OREDA—the Occupation and Rural Economic Development Association—to determine whether a simple chlorine production unit (CPU) could provide an effective and affordable solution to the problem of dirty water.

Chlorination is a simple way to remove pathogens from water and prevent the spread of illnesses like typhoid, cholera, and dysentery. Many North American water treatment systems use chlorine regularly for disinfection. World Renew and OREDA teamed up with SWIM—Safe Water International Mission— of Iowa, USA to bring 25 chlorine production units to rural villages in OREDA’s district.

SWIM’s CPUs allow for the generation of chlorine through electrolysis using common table salt and a 12-volt battery. These simple, ready-to-use devices require little training, come at-cost, and can last for many years if used properly. Villagers simply mix salt into a bottle of water and then pour it through the CPU. The resulting electrolysis creates NaOCI, a chlorine compound which is safe to drink, kills pathogens, and doesn’t affect the taste of the drinking water. The process is so elementary that you may have already seen it at a local school science fair!

The production of chlorine for household use is now an activity that brings community members together on a regular basis. For the last two years in Chrokbansok village, 25 families have gathered every weekend at the local chief’s home. After an hour’s work with the village CPU, they all leave with a free two-week supply of chlorine. Once home, they simply add a few drops of the chlorine to their drinking and cooking water, which could be from a pond, a well, or collected rainwater.

The Chrokbansok village chief estimates that this low-cost water purification technology has reduced the instances of water-borne illness in their village by 80%, providing sustainable health and the independence and thriving that health offers for rural Cambodians. We are grateful to SWIM for their donation of the first set of CPUs and for your contributions that have allowed us to purchase so many more.

Your support allows World Renew to renew hope and restore creation in Cambodia. This simple kit allows for the creation of chlorine compounds that reliably disinfect water.

 

Give thanks with us for:

  • a successful visit with 25 Calvin University students January 12-24. Led by Professor David Dornbos, this Calvin Interim class exposed students to Cambodian life and culture and the work of World Renew. One of the highlights which most enriched and stretched the students were homestays with Cambodian families in a poor, rural community where World Renew works.
  • a new relationship between World Renew Cambodia and Mission Alliance. We are now working together as co-funding partners to support our local partner, OREDA in the implementation of a youth empowerment project. We are grateful for the generous funding of Mission Alliance and pleased to continue our role in building capacity and providing technical support.
  • Liz Byles, an experienced nurse from the UK who is volunteering with World Renew. Liz will be an asset for World Renew in Cambodia as she has experience in health promotion including reproductive health, nutrition, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, and child protection. Liz is passionate about sharing her faith with staff and our communities.
  • Rith Chen, our program manager for the last ten years. Rith is starting a new career with Friends International and we give thanks for this opportunity for Rith to develop and grow.

 

Please pray with us for:

  • the selection process for World Renew’s next country consultant for Cambodia. This process started in October and is expected to be complete by the end of February. We pray for God’s hand to be on the process.
  • the proposal being submitted to Global Affairs Canada which would support volunteers over a seven-year period to contribute to the work of World Renew around the world.
  • strength and a clear process for the World Renew team in Cambodia as we embark on a new chapter of partnership with our local partners, OREDA and KADRA. Our new strategic plan will cover the next 3-5 years and include many community stakeholders—churches, pagodas, local governments, and businesses. Pray that the process will promote dignity, engage all stakeholders, and empower communities to manage their development in a way that is sustainable, relevant, and effective.