Shelter-Based Project for PLWHA Successfully Concluded
Chabpdeum Chivit Thmey, CCT (New Life, New Start) project aimed to complement social services provided by HIV-focused programs to PLWHA and orphaned and vulnerable children in Cambodia with safe and decent shelter to promote sustained improvement in their living conditions and increase their life chances has reached its full completion on December 2012.
In retrospect, the project has four significant objectives – to improve physical security and living conditions for PLWHA, to provide access to medical and social support, to increase beneficiary aspirations for a better future and to increase beneficiary livelihoods.
Upon its completion, the project has built and repaired 150 houses (35 new houses, 53 houses and lands, and 62 house repairs) with sanitation facilities (toilets, water filters, water jars, connection to clean water, pump wells, among others). Through Habitat for Humanity Cambodia’s partner NGOs, the project has supported 244 infected and affected people of 150 families. Of which, the HIV-infected individuals receive regular free Anti-Retroviral Treatment, with zero drop-out rate through continued education about HIV/Aids including self-care, HIV/Aids prevention, prevention of mother-to-child transmission and discrimination reduction. Additionally, 145 families attended self-aspiration workshops focused on beneficiaries taking responsibility and planning for their future. Families also attended training on basic construction skills, family financial management, small business management and livelihood. They were also provided training on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, which was conducted by a professional consultant from the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR). The trainings were based on the results of a training need assessment (TNA) conducted by the project and the families’ current resources.
Mr. Kheng Virak, the CCT Project Officer shared his thoughts about the project, “I have been working on HIV/Aids project for over two years and I have seen our approach evolve over time. Aligned with the program intervention’s improvements are tangible changes among the families we are supporting and working with. They are healthier. They are more at peace. Their social lives have become normal for them and their families and their livelihood have improved, and they now have better plans for their future especially for their children. To them, their decent shelters helped them gain dignity.”
“Beyond our expectation, we finally have our own house. We also have clean toilet, public water and electricity connections, and our family has gained confidence. Relatives and neighbors acknowledge us more and no longer discriminate against us. This new home brings my family many great things,” said Long Dara, 48-year old, CCT project home partner.
The CCT project began in January 2012 in partnership with Sharing Experience for Adapted Development, Khmera, Sihanouk Center of Hope, and funded by Elton John Aids Foundation. It served as a continuation of the first HIV project of Habitat for Humanity Cambodia that was launched in 2010.
