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2026 Future Projects
Laos
Project 1
Our work team in Laos will be involved in renovating classroom buildings and upgrading facilities at a school complex at Pak Mong. Pak Mong village is located approximately 3 hrs drive from Luang Prabang on the road to Nong Khiaw.
Due to increased numbers of children at Kindergarten level a previously disused and dilapidated building will be renovated. Construction of a 65m long picket fence is planned as well as funding materials for a masonary fence on the back boundary.
Funding the upgrading of electrical infrastructure in the Primary school classrooms will also be included in our work at Pak Mong.
The budget for the renovations and upgrade is approximately A$8,200.
Projects undertaken by locals
In addition to the work undertaken by our team in Laos we will also fund work to be carried out by local contractors.
Project 2.
Fund the cost of materials to construct a 5000 litre water tank in Sobkan village. This will be a joint venture with PVI supplying the materials and the local villagers supplying the labour.
The estimated cost to PVI is A$2,000.
Project 3
In 2025 PVI assisted in the construction of an accommodation building at the Nong Khiaw Hospital. Time constraints meant that our working team could not finish the building and some funding was left for locals to continue the work. The building is still incomplete so the intention is to provide further funding to allow locals to carry on the construction work.
Our work team in Laos will be involved in renovating classroom buildings and upgrading facilities at a school complex at Pak Mong. Pak Mong village is located approximately 3 hrs drive from Luang Prabang on the road to Nong Khiaw.
Due to increased numbers of children at Kindergarten level a previously disused and dilapidated building will be renovated. Construction of a 65m long picket fence is planned as well as funding materials for a masonary fence on the back boundary.
Funding the upgrading of electrical infrastructure in the Primary school classrooms will also be included in our work at Pak Mong.
The budget for the renovations and upgrade is approximately A$8,200.
Projects undertaken by locals
In addition to the work undertaken by our team in Laos we will also fund work to be carried out by local contractors.
Project 2.
Fund the cost of materials to construct a 5000 litre water tank in Sobkan village. This will be a joint venture with PVI supplying the materials and the local villagers supplying the labour.
The estimated cost to PVI is A$2,000.
Project 3
In 2025 PVI assisted in the construction of an accommodation building at the Nong Khiaw Hospital. Time constraints meant that our working team could not finish the building and some funding was left for locals to continue the work. The building is still incomplete so the intention is to provide further funding to allow locals to carry on the construction work.
Cambodia
We're planning for a small team to visit Cambodia next February for our 2026 building project. Our main activities will again focus on the housing program based at Bospo village in the north west of the country and maintenance and enhancement of water supply facilities we've previously installed in schools in Ream in the south west of the country.
We will be working on Khmer New Generation Organisation's (KNGO) housing program to construct three new houses and toilets in and near Bospo village. We will carry out the construction of two houses and pay local contractors to construct the third house and three toilets. We will also commence upgrading steps on previously constructed houses with steps of a better standard. This upgrading will continue each year as the opportunity permits. We commenced constructing houses under KNGO's program in 2020 and have completed 39 new houses and 8 toilets.
At Ream our focus is ensuring that the water supply systems we have previously installed at local schools remain operational. This work has been done under the direction and assistance of the local AllKids' program.
The budget for our 2026 project is A$13,000.
We will be working on Khmer New Generation Organisation's (KNGO) housing program to construct three new houses and toilets in and near Bospo village. We will carry out the construction of two houses and pay local contractors to construct the third house and three toilets. We will also commence upgrading steps on previously constructed houses with steps of a better standard. This upgrading will continue each year as the opportunity permits. We commenced constructing houses under KNGO's program in 2020 and have completed 39 new houses and 8 toilets.
At Ream our focus is ensuring that the water supply systems we have previously installed at local schools remain operational. This work has been done under the direction and assistance of the local AllKids' program.
The budget for our 2026 project is A$13,000.
2025 Laos project
This year we had 17 members working in Laos.
Members gathered in Luang Prabang prior to heading off to 3 separate work sites, these being Thaepene village (30km south west of Luang Prabang), Nong Khiaw ( 4 hour mini bus trip from LP) and the longest travel time to Ba Nah village ( a boat trip to Moung Knoy from Nong Khiaw then a tractor ride to the Ba Nah village).
Thaepene village classroom
7 members worked on renovating a classroom and toilet where up to 30 local children receive free English lessons each day after they finish at the Government school. Locals also assisted in the work which included demolishing the old toilets, building block walls, rendering of the new block walls, tiling, painting and installing doors and windows.
Nong Khiaw
6 members were tasked with starting work on a new accommodation building at the Nong Khiaw Hospital.
This building is to house families of patients undergoing surgery and rehabilitation at the hospital. Our work team was supplemented by eager unpaid and paid locals happy to help with this community focussed project.
The PVI members comprised unskilled but highly motivated workers (labourers) and semi skilled members eager to learn new trades ( no union cards necessary). Their work included digging and concreting footings, laying blocks, shovelling and placing backfill, preparing groundwork for concrete floors and assisting in the concrete works.
The building is quite a large structure being 12mx6m in plan with 3 separate rooms with block walls and timber and steel roofing. Unfortunately, the team ran out of time to get the building to lock-up but there was still money left in the budget which should have enabled the local builders to fit the windows and doors. The head of the hospital Dr Kia will attempt to source funds locally to complete the building but if he is unable to do so PVI will help with funding to finish the job next year.
Ba Na Kang village
Assisted by locals, 4 PVI members spent the week demolishing an old septic tank, re excavating the pit, laying a concrete base, laying block work and connecting new pipework from the toilet and pouring a new lid.
A great achievement by a small but enthusiastic crew ably assisted by locals. The now functioning toilet was a great initiative as the toilet serviced the community centre (which PVI helped renovate the previous year). Up till then locals had no functioning toilet at the centre.
In a nearby village, (Houy Boi) PVI financed the construction of a new 5000L water tank which now supplies potable water to 45 houses.
Return to Thalea Nue School
On the return trip to LP some members paid a visit to the school PVI worked on in 2024 to inspect the library PVI had financed and built They also inspected the new Kindergarten roofing PVI had financed. The old leaking roof meant that during the wet season some of the classrooms could not be used.
Members gathered in Luang Prabang prior to heading off to 3 separate work sites, these being Thaepene village (30km south west of Luang Prabang), Nong Khiaw ( 4 hour mini bus trip from LP) and the longest travel time to Ba Nah village ( a boat trip to Moung Knoy from Nong Khiaw then a tractor ride to the Ba Nah village).
Thaepene village classroom
7 members worked on renovating a classroom and toilet where up to 30 local children receive free English lessons each day after they finish at the Government school. Locals also assisted in the work which included demolishing the old toilets, building block walls, rendering of the new block walls, tiling, painting and installing doors and windows.
Nong Khiaw
6 members were tasked with starting work on a new accommodation building at the Nong Khiaw Hospital.
This building is to house families of patients undergoing surgery and rehabilitation at the hospital. Our work team was supplemented by eager unpaid and paid locals happy to help with this community focussed project.
The PVI members comprised unskilled but highly motivated workers (labourers) and semi skilled members eager to learn new trades ( no union cards necessary). Their work included digging and concreting footings, laying blocks, shovelling and placing backfill, preparing groundwork for concrete floors and assisting in the concrete works.
The building is quite a large structure being 12mx6m in plan with 3 separate rooms with block walls and timber and steel roofing. Unfortunately, the team ran out of time to get the building to lock-up but there was still money left in the budget which should have enabled the local builders to fit the windows and doors. The head of the hospital Dr Kia will attempt to source funds locally to complete the building but if he is unable to do so PVI will help with funding to finish the job next year.
Ba Na Kang village
Assisted by locals, 4 PVI members spent the week demolishing an old septic tank, re excavating the pit, laying a concrete base, laying block work and connecting new pipework from the toilet and pouring a new lid.
A great achievement by a small but enthusiastic crew ably assisted by locals. The now functioning toilet was a great initiative as the toilet serviced the community centre (which PVI helped renovate the previous year). Up till then locals had no functioning toilet at the centre.
In a nearby village, (Houy Boi) PVI financed the construction of a new 5000L water tank which now supplies potable water to 45 houses.
Return to Thalea Nue School
On the return trip to LP some members paid a visit to the school PVI worked on in 2024 to inspect the library PVI had financed and built They also inspected the new Kindergarten roofing PVI had financed. The old leaking roof meant that during the wet season some of the classrooms could not be used.
2025 Cambodia project
Our small team of 5 PVI members and 5 non-PVI volunteers built 2 houses in and around Bospo Battanbang. PVI also funded the construction of 2 other houses and toilets by local contractors.
The housing program was initiated by KNGO (local NGO) a number of years ago. The need was identified from awareness of poor families in and around Bospo living in very insecure and poor standard houses, often either sharing a small house owned by a relative or living in makeshift shelters. The families usually have low income from low skilled, poorly paying and infrequent work.
The average cost for each house was A$2,297 for materials, A$415 for materials for each toilet. The cost for local labour to build one house and toilet was A$415. The cost of materials has increased each year as standards have improved. We now consider the present design and timber quality will provide a suitable house and toilet that will last an acceptable time and permit PVI to use the limited funds available to construct as many houses and toilets as possible.
Ream
The annual maintenance work on water infrastructure to schools in Ream was also completed by our champion David Findlater who on completion of the work in Ream returned to Battanbang to help with the housing construction. In addition to the work completed in Ream PVI provided funds for the construction of a roof to join 2 buildings at AllKids' new learning centre at K'Bal Hong.
Budget
We spent a total of A$14,072 on the housing program against an approved budget of A$17,200. The under spending was a consequence of a small working team being unable to carry our some planned maintenance work, specifically on upgrading timber stairs.
The housing program was initiated by KNGO (local NGO) a number of years ago. The need was identified from awareness of poor families in and around Bospo living in very insecure and poor standard houses, often either sharing a small house owned by a relative or living in makeshift shelters. The families usually have low income from low skilled, poorly paying and infrequent work.
The average cost for each house was A$2,297 for materials, A$415 for materials for each toilet. The cost for local labour to build one house and toilet was A$415. The cost of materials has increased each year as standards have improved. We now consider the present design and timber quality will provide a suitable house and toilet that will last an acceptable time and permit PVI to use the limited funds available to construct as many houses and toilets as possible.
Ream
The annual maintenance work on water infrastructure to schools in Ream was also completed by our champion David Findlater who on completion of the work in Ream returned to Battanbang to help with the housing construction. In addition to the work completed in Ream PVI provided funds for the construction of a roof to join 2 buildings at AllKids' new learning centre at K'Bal Hong.
Budget
We spent a total of A$14,072 on the housing program against an approved budget of A$17,200. The under spending was a consequence of a small working team being unable to carry our some planned maintenance work, specifically on upgrading timber stairs.
2024 Laos project
From 19th Feb until 2 March 11 dedicated PVI team members completed 3 hands on projects and PVI financed another 2 projects in Luang Probang Province in Northern Laos.
The team gathered in Luang Probang city and on the 19th travelled by minivan 4 hours up the Nam Ou River to the town of Nong Khiaw.
That night we enjoyed a sunset boat trip and a Laos banquet on a pontoon over the river. We were hosted by one of our local champions, Mr Toui and his wife Joy.
The following day we split into 3 teams.
Julie, Sally, Ken and Kieran travelled up stream by boat to the picturesque riverside village of Muang Ngoy. They were met by Toui and taken by truck to the small village of Na Kang. Their job, with the help of the local community was to install a ceiling and lattice work on the village Community Centre. While the team was completing the ceiling, local tradesmen rendered the block walls inside and out. PVI paid for paint and the community have since painted the walls inside and outside.
Janet and Fran stayed in Nong Khiaw and painted the Maternity Ward at the Nong Khiaw District Hospital. They were assisted by hospital staff including doctors, nurses and admin staff. They were taken by the hospital ambulance to purchase supplies they needed at the local hardware store, no siren I’m told!!!
John and Jan, (El Presidentee and the First Lady) David Rees, John Gibb and I headed about an hour back toward Luang Probang to the village of Thalea Nue. In 2023, PVI financed the construction of block walls and a concrete floor for a library building at the local Primary School. We were assisted by school staff and parents to start to put a roof on the building and paint the inside, outside and trim.
After knock off on the first Friday, the Presidential team headed back to Nong Khiaw to join Janet and Fran and on Sat morning we all headed up the river to Muang Ngoy where Toui met us and took us out to Na Kang. We were greeted by the PVI team and the local community and checked out the almost completed CC building.
We were then treated to an unforgettable hand over party and given certificates of appreciation, acknowledging PVI’s and the team’s support. We ate, danced and drank way too much Lao Lao. It was very evident that the awesome foursome had built strong relationships with the local community, saying goodbye was a very drawn-out process.
We all spent the night in beautiful Muang Ngoy and caught the boat back to Nong Khiaw on Sunday morning.
On Monday, Sally joined Janet and Fran to assist with painting more rooms in the General Ward and oversee the painting of the exterior of the hospital.
Ken, Julie and Kieran joined the Thalea Nue team to finish painting the interior of the library, the roof, door and windows.
Tuesday night we headed back into Nong Khiaw to celebrate Sally’s birthday.
Wednesday the girls enjoyed a hand over ceremony and party at the hospital and presented with more certificates!!!!
The rush was on to try to complete the library by Thursday afternoon. Janet and Sally joined us to do the ABC mural on the outside wall of the library. By Thursday knock off we were almost there.
Friday morning was the handover ceremony and party at the school, we were treated to dance performances by the Kinder kids and 2 groups of primary school kids that were beautifully dressed in traditional costumes. There were speeches, thank you’ s and much translation by Phaeng.
We were presented with more certificates acknowledging team members and PVI’s contribution to the library project.
After many goodbyes, hugs, handshakes and namastes we headed back to Nong Khiaw for a well-earned rest and last supper. Awards for the tour were presented and a lot of Cop Chai Li Li’s to a great team.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time or team members to make a start on the PVI office and storeroom at Phaeng’s farm. Phaeng will use the allocated budget to purchase the materials needed and his family at the farm will complete the building before the wet season.
On my return to Luang Probang, I met with Gerry, my contact from the Hmong village of Nam Nga, a small community off the road from Nong Khiaw to Luang Probang. We priced the materials needed for the village to purchase 2.5km of water pipe and the cement, sand and gravel needed to build tanks at the top and bottom of the water pipe. The pipeline will run from a mountain stream to the village and provide a reliable source of potable water to the villagers. The materials have been purchased and work is underway to build the tanks and install the pipe. Gerry is keeping me updated on progress.
David Rees has prepared a statement of expenditure for the Laos project, broadly speaking we came in under budget. This is because we did not go ahead with another pipeline due to changed circumstances in the past year and our local champions negotiating the best possible prices for materials and labour for the projects we did complete. The teams were also very efficient in the use of the materials we purchased.
The teams do have a couple of additional requests to fund small projects which will complement and complete the projects we finished. We will submit an application for these small projects to be completed by local labour in the coming months.
Part of our expenditure was on purchasing necessary tools and equipment needed to safely work on the projects, the builders have already compiled a wish list for additions to the tool kit for next year.
We looked at 3 potential projects at different locations for next year, I will draft a proposal to go to the committee and call for EOI for a Laos team for 2025, hopefully I can get this done by June to allow prospective team members to make travel and accommodation arrangements.
I would like to acknowledge the assistance of our local champions in Laos.
If I had not met Phaeng in Australia and without his assistance last year and this year PVI would not have had a presence in Laos. I think his phone would be much quieter now that I am not in Laos and constantly asking for his help for one thing or another.
To Toui for his availability when needed, his tireless work and mostly his hospitality.
To Gerry for championing the purchase and installation of the new pipeline to his family village.
To the team, you made my job easier in so many ways, you defiantly earned your awards.
It was PVI’s first project in Laos and from all I’ve heard over the years we were part of another first, Ken and Julie announced to the team on the last day that they are planning to get married this year, more Laos Laos and another certificate for them to hang on the wall of the pub.
Neale Whitsed
2024 Cambodia project
Probably our best project ever! We seem to say that every year, but this year’s project was well up there as a very enjoyable and successful project.
Our team of 13 volunteers included 6 newbies and 7 returning from last year. We achieved our aims of doing good work to improve the lives for many poor Cambodian children and families by building new houses and toilets, installing a solar water supply system for a new school, and undertaking repairs and maintenance to previously built houses and installed water supply systems. We enjoyed catching up with old Cambodian friends and making new acquaintances with the recipients and their friends and family who assisted with the house constructions. Our very harmonious team had a great time socialising with one another.
Whilst members made their own way to Battambang, the majority gathered in Phnom Penh initially. Most travelled from Phnom Penh to Battambang in the north west of the country with David Findlater and Sam Bugeja initially travelling south west to Ream to install a solar water supply system at AllKids’ new Learning Centre in a remote area near Ream. They also carried out regular annual maintenance on the other water supply systems we’ve previously installed. David and Sam joined the rest of the team on Thursday of the first week.
The main group divided into work teams to carry out 5 tasks including full construction of a house (team led by Ron Toohey with Brendan McKenna, Penny Rivlin and Terry Lyons), construction of a toilet (Jan and John Miller), fitting flooring to 2 houses that were partly constructed by local contractors (John Kellas and Jackie McKay) and constructing new steps for some houses built in previous years (David Williams, David Rees and Graham Erickson). Another work team was formed when David and Sam joined the rest of us to fully construct another house (team led by David Findlater with Sam Bugeja and Graham Erickson’s son, Matthew).
On the housing program we fully constructed:
Our team of 13 volunteers included 6 newbies and 7 returning from last year. We achieved our aims of doing good work to improve the lives for many poor Cambodian children and families by building new houses and toilets, installing a solar water supply system for a new school, and undertaking repairs and maintenance to previously built houses and installed water supply systems. We enjoyed catching up with old Cambodian friends and making new acquaintances with the recipients and their friends and family who assisted with the house constructions. Our very harmonious team had a great time socialising with one another.
Whilst members made their own way to Battambang, the majority gathered in Phnom Penh initially. Most travelled from Phnom Penh to Battambang in the north west of the country with David Findlater and Sam Bugeja initially travelling south west to Ream to install a solar water supply system at AllKids’ new Learning Centre in a remote area near Ream. They also carried out regular annual maintenance on the other water supply systems we’ve previously installed. David and Sam joined the rest of the team on Thursday of the first week.
The main group divided into work teams to carry out 5 tasks including full construction of a house (team led by Ron Toohey with Brendan McKenna, Penny Rivlin and Terry Lyons), construction of a toilet (Jan and John Miller), fitting flooring to 2 houses that were partly constructed by local contractors (John Kellas and Jackie McKay) and constructing new steps for some houses built in previous years (David Williams, David Rees and Graham Erickson). Another work team was formed when David and Sam joined the rest of us to fully construct another house (team led by David Findlater with Sam Bugeja and Graham Erickson’s son, Matthew).
On the housing program we fully constructed:
- 2 new houses
- a new toilet
- fitted flooring to 2 houses partly constructed by local contractors
- built steps for 3 previously constructed houses
- paid for 3 toilets built by local contractors.
At Ream we: - installed a new water supply system at AllKids’ Learning Centre which included paying for a bore drilled prior to our arrival
- fitted a solar pump in the bore
- connected the bore to the water storage
- contributed financially to expanding the water storage capacity with an additional tank.
2023 Cambodia project
In progress
2021 & 2022 due to covid, no projects occurred
2020 projects
2020 March, Phong Nha, Vietnam
Well the early stages of our 2020 March trip planning is underway.
Our 2020 Project is situated about 30kms west of the coastal town/city of Dong Hoi in the vicinity of a pretty rural village called Phong Nha. Dong Hoi is situated about 400 klms south of Hanoi.
This Project trip will comprise of three main tasks.
1) Roof Restoration of a rural School Block plus installation of new ceilings along with painting as required.
2) Phong Nha Medical Centre, Installation of an all-weather 10m X 10m roofed shelter with a concrete floor. Restoration of two of their consultation rooms.
3) The upgrade of a water reticulation system at a rural Kindergarten, new pipes and taps plus arrange the construction of a new well to improve their water supply throughout their summer period.
2020 February, Battembang, Cambodia
I'm circulating info about our project next year to all of you who have been members of project teams to Cambodia over last few years. Some of you haven't been so involved since your last trip but info on next year's trip might just re-spark your in interest.
It's a great project - building houses for very poor families living in dreadful conditions in small villages on the outskirts of Battambang. Also, some work at KNGO school and possible medical team working at a hospital in Phnom Penh.
Things are changing rapidly in Cambodia but it's still a mixed bag. The economy has been growing strongly for a few years now and there continues to be large investment from overseas particularly from China.
Some Cambodians in Phnom Penh are doing well and becoming very rich, but little has changed for most in poor people in rural communities. Health and education opportunities have not improved significantly.
The need for help is still considerable.
We've got a great project next - building houses for very poor families in rural villages close to Battambang.
I've attached details of the project and some background on KNGO's housing program including very challenging circumstances of some of the poor families we'll be helping with new houses.
It would be great if you could read the info - I'm sure you'll be touched by the stories of the vulnerable families.
We've worked with AllKids at Ream for the last 6 years and we've enjoyed assisting them in their great work.
But our program at Ream is completed for the time being (see the article that will appear in the newsletter shortly).
It's time to move elsewhere to help other needy communities.
Pete Angell is stepping back after 7 years as project leader.
Next year David Findlater and I will lead the project.
We'll be working with KNGO out of Battambang.
Planned project dates are to start work on Monday 9th February until Friday 21st February.
Can I encourage you to read the attached description of the project and the description of KNGO's housing program - the circumstances of some of the families we'll be assisting with housing are very moving.
Can you let me know if you might be interested in joining next year's team?
Regards
David Williams
Well the early stages of our 2020 March trip planning is underway.
Our 2020 Project is situated about 30kms west of the coastal town/city of Dong Hoi in the vicinity of a pretty rural village called Phong Nha. Dong Hoi is situated about 400 klms south of Hanoi.
This Project trip will comprise of three main tasks.
1) Roof Restoration of a rural School Block plus installation of new ceilings along with painting as required.
2) Phong Nha Medical Centre, Installation of an all-weather 10m X 10m roofed shelter with a concrete floor. Restoration of two of their consultation rooms.
3) The upgrade of a water reticulation system at a rural Kindergarten, new pipes and taps plus arrange the construction of a new well to improve their water supply throughout their summer period.
2020 February, Battembang, Cambodia
I'm circulating info about our project next year to all of you who have been members of project teams to Cambodia over last few years. Some of you haven't been so involved since your last trip but info on next year's trip might just re-spark your in interest.
It's a great project - building houses for very poor families living in dreadful conditions in small villages on the outskirts of Battambang. Also, some work at KNGO school and possible medical team working at a hospital in Phnom Penh.
Things are changing rapidly in Cambodia but it's still a mixed bag. The economy has been growing strongly for a few years now and there continues to be large investment from overseas particularly from China.
Some Cambodians in Phnom Penh are doing well and becoming very rich, but little has changed for most in poor people in rural communities. Health and education opportunities have not improved significantly.
The need for help is still considerable.
We've got a great project next - building houses for very poor families in rural villages close to Battambang.
I've attached details of the project and some background on KNGO's housing program including very challenging circumstances of some of the poor families we'll be helping with new houses.
It would be great if you could read the info - I'm sure you'll be touched by the stories of the vulnerable families.
We've worked with AllKids at Ream for the last 6 years and we've enjoyed assisting them in their great work.
But our program at Ream is completed for the time being (see the article that will appear in the newsletter shortly).
It's time to move elsewhere to help other needy communities.
Pete Angell is stepping back after 7 years as project leader.
Next year David Findlater and I will lead the project.
We'll be working with KNGO out of Battambang.
Planned project dates are to start work on Monday 9th February until Friday 21st February.
Can I encourage you to read the attached description of the project and the description of KNGO's housing program - the circumstances of some of the families we'll be assisting with housing are very moving.
Can you let me know if you might be interested in joining next year's team?
Regards
David Williams
Project Aid Work 2017-2020
Vietnam Project
New Kindergarten – Thanh Binh village, near Phong Nha – Quang Bin Province, Central Vietnam
Our ambitious two year project involves the construction of a new elevated two level kindergarten in Thanh Binh village and renovation of schools in the area. The people in the small rural village are mostly poor farm workers. The existing kindergarten provides for 80 children. It is an old building in a poor state of repair. The ground level classrooms are regularly flooded during wet seasons from the adjacent Son River. The new building will provide larger improved facilities and with elevated classrooms, internal toilets and storage areas.
Stage 1 completed in 2017
We completed stage 1 which involved engaging local contractors to construct the shell of the new building. The building design was developed with local community. PVI volunteers met their own travel and accommodation costs as well as making a contribution to direct costs for materials & local contractors.
In addition the PVI team of undertook major restoration works of neighbouring school buildings during 2017.
Cambodia Project
Clean Drinking Water for Schools – Ream, South East Cambodia
Clean drinking water & access to hygienic toilets are pre-requisites for improving health and education outcomes for children in poor rural communities in Cambodia. The unfortunate reality is that the majority of Cambodian children in rural communities still don’t enjoy ready access to hygienic toilets and clean drinking water with obvious consequences for their health. This situation has underpinned PVI’s work in the Ream area for the last 4 years. The “Water for Toilets for School Children program” has provided access to hygienic toilets for 2,800 children in the 3 large schools in the area, representing 90% of the school children in the area. The toilet water systems PVI has installed continue to function effectively.
In 2017 the program was expanded to include “Clean Drinking Water for School Children” in the Ream area. We installed an advanced, reliable and low maintenance filter system to provide clean drinking water for the children at Smach Deng School – they are the first in rural Cambodia to enjoy clean drinking water & hygienic toilets. Extensive repairs & maintenance were also completed at the school.
New Kindergarten – Thanh Binh village, near Phong Nha – Quang Bin Province, Central Vietnam
Our ambitious two year project involves the construction of a new elevated two level kindergarten in Thanh Binh village and renovation of schools in the area. The people in the small rural village are mostly poor farm workers. The existing kindergarten provides for 80 children. It is an old building in a poor state of repair. The ground level classrooms are regularly flooded during wet seasons from the adjacent Son River. The new building will provide larger improved facilities and with elevated classrooms, internal toilets and storage areas.
Stage 1 completed in 2017
We completed stage 1 which involved engaging local contractors to construct the shell of the new building. The building design was developed with local community. PVI volunteers met their own travel and accommodation costs as well as making a contribution to direct costs for materials & local contractors.
In addition the PVI team of undertook major restoration works of neighbouring school buildings during 2017.
Cambodia Project
Clean Drinking Water for Schools – Ream, South East Cambodia
Clean drinking water & access to hygienic toilets are pre-requisites for improving health and education outcomes for children in poor rural communities in Cambodia. The unfortunate reality is that the majority of Cambodian children in rural communities still don’t enjoy ready access to hygienic toilets and clean drinking water with obvious consequences for their health. This situation has underpinned PVI’s work in the Ream area for the last 4 years. The “Water for Toilets for School Children program” has provided access to hygienic toilets for 2,800 children in the 3 large schools in the area, representing 90% of the school children in the area. The toilet water systems PVI has installed continue to function effectively.
In 2017 the program was expanded to include “Clean Drinking Water for School Children” in the Ream area. We installed an advanced, reliable and low maintenance filter system to provide clean drinking water for the children at Smach Deng School – they are the first in rural Cambodia to enjoy clean drinking water & hygienic toilets. Extensive repairs & maintenance were also completed at the school.
Our Record of Aid since 1990
The total value of our aid work (as at 2017) is $4.0 million which is comprised of direct costs on building materials, local labour hired on site, medical programs and volunteer’s costs. The breakdown of total costs is shown in the figure below.
Since 1998 there have been 45 teams composed of 691 volunteers who have provided 50,000 person hours of aid work.
In addition we have provided 3,000 wheelchairs, donated medical equipment with a total value of $63,000, provided scholarships to the total value of $13,000 and distributed some thousands of pairs of recycled eye glasses.
Our Aid Work in 2017 included :
Total value of Vietnam & Cambodia Projects
The total value of PVI on-ground projects in Vietnam & Cambodia includes direct costs (materials & supplies, and payment to local skilled contractors when they are engaged), travel costs of PVI volunteers and in-kind value of PVI labour.
PVI volunteers meet their own travel costs and contribute approximately 20% of the direct costs. The balance of the direct costs is met by generous benefactors & other fund raising activities.
The direct cost for our 2017 projects was $41,000 for the materials and supplies, and payments to local contractors. Our teams provided 2,800 hours of labour and met their own costs of $80,000. The total value of our work was $225,000.
Distributing recycled eye glasses in Vietnam & Cambodia
We distributed recycled eye glasses to needy people again in 2017 as part of our ongoing annual program. The glasses are collected in Australia by Redcliffe Lions Club as part of Lions International worldwide ‘Recycle 4 Sight’ program. The glasses are provided through our in-country local networks to appropriate parties who then ensure they are properly prescribed and allocated through.
John Robertson & Tony van Boxmeer Scholarships
The scholarships were established to honour the memory of 2 esteemed past PVI members. The scholarships to the value of US$1,100 each per year for 2 years were awarded in 2017 to outstanding young students who have completed schooling at Khmer New Generation Organisation’s Centre in Battambang, Northern Cambodia. The students will undertake Dental Assistant training with Cambodia World Family in Phnom Pen. There are good opportunities for fulfilling and sustainable employment on completion of the training.
Good jobs provide obvious benefits to the young scholarship holders and their families as well as providing positive role models for other young people in the community.
Wheelchairs to Cambodia
Being aware of the work by Sihanouk Hospital Centre for Hope for many poor families in Phnom Penh, we wanted to assist in an appropriate way. With advice from hospital staff we purchased 15 wheelchairs locally at the low cost of US$62 per chair and donated most of these to the hospital. The donation was greatly appreciated and the chairs are now being well used by patients as needed while they are at the hospital.The total value of our aid work (as at 2017) is $4.0 million which is comprised of direct costs on building materials, local labour hired on site, medical programs and volunteer’s costs. The breakdown of total costs is shown in the figure below.
Since 1998 there have been 45 teams composed of 691 volunteers who have provided 50,000 person hours of aid work.
In addition we have provided 3,000 wheelchairs, donated medical equipment with a total value of $63,000, provided scholarships to the total value of $13,000 and distributed some thousands of pairs of recycled eye glasses.
Our Aid Work in 2017 included :
Since 1998 there have been 45 teams composed of 691 volunteers who have provided 50,000 person hours of aid work.
In addition we have provided 3,000 wheelchairs, donated medical equipment with a total value of $63,000, provided scholarships to the total value of $13,000 and distributed some thousands of pairs of recycled eye glasses.
Our Aid Work in 2017 included :
- Building projects in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Distributing re-cycled eye glasses
- Awarding John Robertson and Tony van Boxmeer scholarships
- Donating wheelchairs in Cambodia
Total value of Vietnam & Cambodia Projects
The total value of PVI on-ground projects in Vietnam & Cambodia includes direct costs (materials & supplies, and payment to local skilled contractors when they are engaged), travel costs of PVI volunteers and in-kind value of PVI labour.
PVI volunteers meet their own travel costs and contribute approximately 20% of the direct costs. The balance of the direct costs is met by generous benefactors & other fund raising activities.
The direct cost for our 2017 projects was $41,000 for the materials and supplies, and payments to local contractors. Our teams provided 2,800 hours of labour and met their own costs of $80,000. The total value of our work was $225,000.
Distributing recycled eye glasses in Vietnam & Cambodia
We distributed recycled eye glasses to needy people again in 2017 as part of our ongoing annual program. The glasses are collected in Australia by Redcliffe Lions Club as part of Lions International worldwide ‘Recycle 4 Sight’ program. The glasses are provided through our in-country local networks to appropriate parties who then ensure they are properly prescribed and allocated through.
John Robertson & Tony van Boxmeer Scholarships
The scholarships were established to honour the memory of 2 esteemed past PVI members. The scholarships to the value of US$1,100 each per year for 2 years were awarded in 2017 to outstanding young students who have completed schooling at Khmer New Generation Organisation’s Centre in Battambang, Northern Cambodia. The students will undertake Dental Assistant training with Cambodia World Family in Phnom Pen. There are good opportunities for fulfilling and sustainable employment on completion of the training.
Good jobs provide obvious benefits to the young scholarship holders and their families as well as providing positive role models for other young people in the community.
Wheelchairs to Cambodia
Being aware of the work by Sihanouk Hospital Centre for Hope for many poor families in Phnom Penh, we wanted to assist in an appropriate way. With advice from hospital staff we purchased 15 wheelchairs locally at the low cost of US$62 per chair and donated most of these to the hospital. The donation was greatly appreciated and the chairs are now being well used by patients as needed while they are at the hospital.The total value of our aid work (as at 2017) is $4.0 million which is comprised of direct costs on building materials, local labour hired on site, medical programs and volunteer’s costs. The breakdown of total costs is shown in the figure below.
Since 1998 there have been 45 teams composed of 691 volunteers who have provided 50,000 person hours of aid work.
In addition we have provided 3,000 wheelchairs, donated medical equipment with a total value of $63,000, provided scholarships to the total value of $13,000 and distributed some thousands of pairs of recycled eye glasses.
Our Aid Work in 2017 included :
- Building projects in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Distributing re-cycled eye glasses
- Awarding John Robertson and Tony van Boxmeer scholarships
- Donating wheelchairs in Cambodia
Completed Aid Work Projects
Click HERE to download a PDF Printable Projects Aid Work list completed by our members since 1998
