1001 fontaines

1001fontaines 2025 Update

1001fontaines Update

A total of 148,300 water bottles distributed in Cambodia, reaching out to 42,675 children in 116 schools through our support.
Overall, with 338 total sites in operation by July 2024, almost 30 new entrepreneurs have integrated the network since July 2023.

2024 School Days

In 2024, the school year is planned from December to the end of September, This will include 164 school days from
January to July—21 days more than in 2023.

The 2-day seminar in July 2024

1. Rainy program standards
2. Water in School Program
3. Debt and saving
The entrepreneurs’ seminars has become the key
moment of the year, to reinforce internal culture and
create a strong sense of belonging within the community.

Increasing children served

The whole project in Cambodia -after serving 352,000 in 2023, 1001fontaines has set an objective of serving 376,000 school children in Cambodia, in 1,100 schools around the country.

Project: Clean Water for 160,000 Students in Cambodia

Program Goals: This program ultimately aims at improving the health of rural children as well as their educational opportunities.

In the metrics we track, we monitor the number of children who benefit from the service. In 2012, an external epidemiological study was also conducted to measure the correlation between the consumption of safe water and absenteeism at school. Attendance at school was measured and compared between 8 schools: 4 benefitting from the Water in School program and 4 regular ones.

The study found a systematic drop in absentee rates between 55 and 75% for schools participating in the program. The key findings – though not concluding as to a similar reduction in diarrheal diseases – suggest that the improved hydration led to an improved school experience explaining children’s greater interest to attend class3. This is what has inspired our theory of change.

Region:
Cambodia

Leader:
François Jaquenoud

Cause:
Basic Needs

Description: According to a recent estimate shared by UNICEF, 40% of the primary schools in Cambodia still don’t have access to safe water and sanitation facilities. Diarrhea, generally caused by the consumption of faeces-contaminated water, is the second leading cause of death for children under five in Cambodia, while vitamin and mineral deficiencies due to diarrhea results in an annual loss of US$146 million to Cambodia’s GDP.

If the Sustainable Development Goals in terms of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) at School were to be met, the benefits would be substantial. A significant reduction in waterborne diseases and child mortality would be expected. According to recent research, safe water at school could also combat dehydration, improving cognition and energy levels directly impacting children’s wellbeing and learning experience1.

Recognizing the pressing need to focus on safe water at school is therefore not only about guaranteeing access to basic rights but also about creating a favorable environment for these children to thrive and unlock their full potential.

Chao Foundation funded around 20% of total program budget for September 2017 – August 2018

Field Partner: 1001fontaines
Year Founded: 2004
TFish Member Since: 2016

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