Rotary Passport Melbourne President Elect Maria Hicks OAM and longstanding Rotarian Brendan Kierce, Rotary Club of Brighton, recently travelled to Cambodia, where they witnessed first-hand the impact of Rotary-supported projects and the remarkable leadership of young people driving sustainable change in their communities.
During their visit, Maria and Brendan participated in a wide range of activities across Siem Reap province including several weeks working alongside the Rotaract Club of Siem Reap (RACSR) and gaining valuable insight into current projects and future opportunities for collaboration between Rotary and Rotaract.
A major focus of the visit was the Rotary Foundation-supported WASH Global Grant project, which is currently being implemented in ten rural schools and will benefit more than 6,000 students. Maria visited several schools where new water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure is being installed, including handwashing stations, water filtration systems, water tanks and toilet facilities. She also attended teacher training workshops delivered by WASH Sustainable Development Organisation (WASH SDO), where educators were learning how to integrate hygiene education into their classrooms and become long-term champions of healthy practices within their schools.
In Run Ta Ek, Maria joined local communities and students in a fruit tree planting activity designed to improve environmental sustainability while providing future nutritional and economic benefits for families. The activity highlighted the importance of combining education, environmental stewardship and community engagement to create lasting outcomes.
Maria also participated in visits to several families supported through CRST's Family Support Program. These visits provided an opportunity to better understand the challenges faced by rural families and the transformative impact that education, mentoring and practical support can have on breaking the cycle of poverty.
One of the most memorable moments of the visit was participating in a house-building activity for a vulnerable family. Working alongside community members, students, volunteers and supporters, Maria experienced the power of collective action and the life-changing difference that safe and secure housing can make for a family in need.
At Teuk Chum Secondary School, Maria helped deliver and install classroom fans and laptop computers, providing students and teachers with improved learning conditions and access to technology. These practical resources will support educational outcomes and help create a more effective learning environment for hundreds of students..
The visit also provided an opportunity for Maria and Brendan to spend time with the leadership team of the Rotaract Club of Siem Reap. Discussions with the leadership team of the Rotaract Club of Siem Reap headed by PP Tangly ton, focused on project implementation, leadership development, sustainability and future initiatives; recognising the outstanding contributions that Rotaractors continue to make.
Reflecting on the visit, Maria praised the dedication and professionalism of the young leaders she met, noting that the projects were delivering measurable outcomes, while building local ownership and long-term sustainability.
The visit served as a powerful reminder that Rotary's greatest strength lies in partnership - bringing together Rotarians, Rotaractors, communities and organisations to create meaningful and lasting change. Through collaboration, friendship and service, lives are being transformed and brighter futures are being created for students, families and communities across Cambodia.