PREAH SIHANOUK PROVINCE, CAMBODIA - Media OutReach - 23 June 2022 - Plan International Cambodia and the Prince Foundation (PF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) held a handover ceremony for 198 pedal-operated handwashing stations to schools in Sihanoukville. The handover ceremony was presided over by H.E. Kouch Chamroeun, Governor of Preah Sihanouk Province and attended by several officials from the Provincial Office of Education, Youth and Sport.

Mr. Gabriel Tan (right) receiving the letter of appreciation from H.E. Kouch Chamroeun (left)

The handwashing stations will be distributed among 99 institutions, including 72 primary schools, 18 lower secondary schools, and 9 high schools around Preah Sihanouk Province. It is taking place as part of the six-month long Safe to School project being implemented by Prince Foundation, Plan International Hong Kong and Plan International Cambodia. The scheme aims to ensure that students have access to proper hygiene facilities as they return to school following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Official handover of hand washing stations to the schools

Good hygiene is also expected to foster a better environment, thereby enhancing learning and the quality of education.

"Almost 40 thousand school children, with a fairly even split between boys and girls, will practice improved hand hygiene in schools in Sihanoukville, with the easy-to-use and disability-appropriate pedal-operated handwashing stations that we have provided," said Gwynneth Wong, Country Director of Plan International Cambodia. "The equipment will not only keep students healthy and safe from diseases but also help the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport achieve its 4th Sustainable Development Goal, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality of education along with life-long learning opportunities for all," Gwynneth added.

"We want to ensure that students improve their hand sanitation, which is very important for their health and safety at schools following the pandemic, and we are very pleased to get an opportunity to work with Plan International Cambodia and Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports," said Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer, Prince Holding Group.

Prince Holding Group, under the leadership of Chairman Chen Zhi, has a keen focus on human capital development to aid economic growth for the Kingdom.

Since 2002, WASH interventions, a project of Plan International Cambodia has received funding and corporate sponsorship from both the public and private sector. It has nurtured community-based solutions leading to well-maintained water points and sanitation facilities being built throughout the country. The scheme has empowered people to improve their own public health. Millions have received access to improved water, sanitation and hygiene facilities through the project.