This project receives support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and together with our implementing partner Habitat for Humanity Cambodia we are using reliable energy from the sun to improve safety and well-being in Cambodia.
Safety and security, along with an improved sense of well-being, have returned to the streets of a small village in Battambang province, Cambodia, with the installation of 14 solar streetlights. The solar streetlights have increased the safety and well-being of women and girls, who are now able to walk around securely after dark. Members of the Urban participatory approach to safe shelter awareness (PASSA) community group highlighted the need for reliable lighting at night and submitted a proposal to Habitat for Humanity to install solar streetlights alongside the unstable electricity poles. PASSA is a key concept approach to empower community people to be more proactive in community participation, decision-making, and a better understanding of disaster preparedness for their communities.
“At 6 pm every night, the solar streetlights are automatically turned on. Before, it was so dark at night in my community, and we have difficulties travelling around, especially for women and girls. When it was dark, we feel unsafe as people keep losing their stuff. We have 14 poles in my community, inside and outside the villages. When we have light, we have security. When the public electricity is cut off, people from other villages always came to enjoy our community. It was bright everywhere from the solar lights in our communities, and we all are so happy with these achievements.” – Sokhan – Member of the PASSA Community Group.
Every donation made to Habitat for Humanity Australia for this project is combined with funding from the Australian Government to reach more people. We have committed to contribute $1 for every $5 we receive under the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). Your donation will allow us to extend our programs. Learning to advocate for their communities is a goal of the project, empowering and building community strength and resilience to climate change.
