Stong Area Development Programme (ADP) is located in a heavily forested part of Kampong Thom province, bordering Tonle Sap lake in Cambodia. World Vision began working with this community in September 2007. More than 21,000 people living in 27 villages in three communes (administrative units) are being assisted through Stong ADP. Almost all of the people follow Cambodia’s official national religion, Buddhism.

Agriculture and food security

Most families earn their meagre incomes from growing rice; some also grow vegetables or raise animals. Farmers lack agricultural skills, tools and irrigation to improve their production. Seasonal drought and flooding have detrimental effects on agriculture and animal husbandry. As a result, food shortages are common between June and December and many people migrate to search for work, or borrow from a moneylender.

Stong ADP teaches improved agricultural, animal husbandry and soil conservation skills and establishes small-scale irrigation systems. It assists farmers to diversify their production and sources of income. Nutrition education helps families get more benefit from the food available.

Water, sanitation & health

Much of the poor health experienced by people in Stong is caused by insufficient nutritious foods, lack of safe drinking water and poor knowledge of hygiene and sanitation.

World Vision trains village health volunteers, committee members and teachers to raise the community’s awareness of hygiene and preventative healthcare. It provides water filters and helps the community construct sanitary latrines for villages and schools.

Community leadership

Each of the three communes that make up Stong ADP has its own elected council responsible for development work, but these councils lack the skills necessary to plan and manage activities. Stong ADP helps community members to form local action groups to plan and implement activities in their villages. Members of these groups and commune councils are trained in management skills. World Vision also raises awareness of social and legal issues, such as child rights, peace and reconciliation.

Education

Nearly three quarters of children from Stong enrol in primary school. Many students drop out before completing their primary education and few go on to secondary, due to long travel distances to school, family financial situations, migration, child minding or lack of understanding of the importance of education, especially for girls. Poor-quality teaching and large class sizes mean many children have to repeat levels. About half of adults are illiterate.
World Vision helps the Stong community understand the importance of schooling. It increases the quality of education by improving school facilities, supplying materials and training teachers.

Sustainable development

World Vision started Stong ADP in September 2007, and is working with the community to enhance ongoing development. Progress is evaluated every five years, and when the community reaches its goals World Vision will begin to reduce its support, allowing the community to direct its own development.

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