Kompong Speu, June 18, 2023 – A team of organisers and volunteers led by St. John Phnom Penh embarked on an eye, dental, and first aid mission under the slogan “For the Health & Well-Being of Cambodian People.” The mission was initiated by Ms. Trish Hume, a St. John Phnom Penh Member, Volunteer Teacher, and Fundraiser from Australia who has been doing good work for the community in Borseth with the support of her Australian family and friends.
The event took place on Sunday, June 18th at Hun Sen Serey Ongnea Primary & Secondary School in Basedth District, Kompong Speu Province. It was organised mainly by St. John Phnom Penh, Himawari Hotel Apartments, and Preston International School and is estimated to have benefited a total of approximately 600 children and adults.
“Ensuring that all Cambodians have access to good health care services has always been a top priority for us at St. John Phnom Penh,” said Ms. Alicia Lim, President of St. John Phnom Penh and Director of Himawari Hotel Apartments. “By providing eye and dental checkups and first aid training to children and adults in rural areas, we hope to make a positive impact on their overall health and well-being. We believe that by investing in the health of Cambodian children today, we are helping to build a brighter future for them and for the country as a whole.”
Children and adults received eye checkups, supported by Housheng Phnom Penh Eye Clinic, as well as oral hygiene education, dental checkups, and basic treatment provided by the Roomchang Dental Hospital team.
Sunglasses, eye drops, toothbrushes, and toothpaste were distributed to children and their families. First aid training was also provided to teachers and high school students.
“I have seen firsthand the positive impact that the mission has had on our students and their families,” said the school director. “The eye and dental checkups and first aid training provided by St. John Phnom Penh and all the other supporting organizations have greatly enhanced the vitality and quality of life for members of our community. On a personal level, I am deeply grateful for their dedication to helping our children and adults in rural areas.”
The mission was a great success, thanks to the team involved in the initiative, especially the main organizer, supporting organizers and 100 dedicated volunteers from the Union Youth Federation of Cambodia (UYFC), My Village Association, The Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Puthisastra, TWPR, Point Santé, Capitol Tours and Transportation and Breadtalks Cambodia. Together they brought their skills and compassion to provide medical aid, translation, coordination, administrative support, logistics, welfare, dental care, and moral support to those in need. Their efforts made a significant difference in the lives of many Cambodian people.
St. John is a renowned international charity that provides first aid, health care and support services in over 40 countries worldwide. As part of the Order of St. John, which is accredited to the United Nations, St. John International strives to improve the health and well-being of people across the globe.
