Sam's Brothers Clean Water Project
Siem Reap, Cambodia

Access to clean, bacteria-free water for families and communities in the countryside of Cambodia is often unattainable, and waterborne illnesses are responsible for more than half of the deaths in the country. Through his travels as an Abercrombie & Kent guide in Cambodia, Nhean Samban (Sam) had met many local families whose children had fallen ill from drinking unclean water. The children suffered from diseases like typhoid, cholera, gallbladder stones, diarrhea and dysentery.

With the help of his brothers, Sam started to sponsor wells to bring clean water to local families and their communities. Initially funded by Sam through his employment with Abercrombie & Kent, the project has received increasing support from the generosity of visitors. Since their efforts began in 2005, they have built more than 300 wells. Support from Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy has provided wells for half a dozen schools and community centers and a dozen rural villages.