The Trailblazers have been working in the Siem Reap Province in northwest Cambodia since 2004. Siem Reap City is located north of Tonle Sap Lake (please see the map below ).

Chris and Scott Coats agreed to work with Sras Village as their first village project after discussions with the Siem Reap regional officials in May 2004.

Siem Reap Province has some of the poorest areas in Cambodia. The Sras Village was described by the regional officials as the poorest village out of 100 in the area, with no school, no developed water resources, limited agriculture, and very limited access to medical care.

Sras Village is located approximately 25 miles northwest of the city of Siem Reap and due to season rain and flooding the village is not accessible by road from September through December of each year.

In the Beginning

"We began with a school project, but quickly learned that water was the first priority.

A person must have access to clean, potable water to improve health and sanitation. People must also have a water resource for growing their crops, livestock, and fish—the source of their food and commerce.

Bad water is the cause of illness, malnutrition, and poverty. When there is good water, associated developments can occur to improve livelihoods and establish sustainable commerce."

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"Making a Difference - One Step at a Time"