Eco-Soap Bank: Lifesaving Soap for Cambodia

*Sopheak, *Srey and *Somban are siblings who despite being of age to attend public school, never did. Instead they would help their parents collect garbage and work during the day. Last year the Human and Hope Association (HHA) started a Khmer language program to teach the youngest generation their native language on the condition they would be enrolled in public school. HHA also provided the father with a microfinance loan, and when conducting a beneficiary survey, he was asked how would like his family to improve - one of his wishes was good hygiene. 

Eco-Soap Bank has a strict policy of only distributing soap for two purposes: first, to supply schools directly and second, to pair with hygiene education programs that provide proper hand washing instruction.  Therefore, there is natural symmetry between ESB and HHA and the organizations partnered to benefit the people of Cambodia and improve overall sanitation.

Presently, the students are enrolled in public school and truly thriving. The 13 year old came first in his class and able to skip a grade, and the 7 and 9 year olds both finished eighth.  All three students are attending daily HHA education classes in their commune. They have participated in three hygiene workshops with HHA, their cleanliness has improved drastically, and their attendance at public school is almost 100%. When HHA ran their most recent workshop, *Sopheak proudly stood up in front of 60 children and demonstrated the correct hand washing technique. These children now have a bright future thanks to the education and resources they are receiving.  They are also in the unique position to pass on their good hygiene practices to others promoting a positive contagious spirit throughout their community.