Cambodia Family Transformation
JJoy-VBC Project ID026: Samoun, Hott, Seavying and Rayuth
Sponsored by Bob Soptei and Amy Hunt
Construction: February 2025
In February 2025, JJoy Foundation initiated a project with our partner Volunteer Building Cambodia to provide a family with a new home, sanitary latrine, clean water system and solar power. This project was generously funded by donations from JJoy Supporters Bob Soptei and Amy Hunt and built by JJoy’s volunteer team VBC-250214-JK.
Let’s meet the family!
Samoun and Hott live with their 2 young sons in a region 40km from Siem Reap. Samoun stopped studying in Grade 2 but works hard to provide for his family. Currently he has a job as a construction worker earning $4 per day.
The family faces many challenges. Their home is unsafe and when storms come, they are vulnerable. They share a toilet on their neighbors property with many families. They also purchase electricity from neighbors for $5 per month. Samoun stopped attending school after Grade 2 and Hott attended only until Grade 7. Without an education, they struggle to earn enough to support their family. But they are dedicated to giving their sons a better life and Seavying is currently attending kindergarten.
JJoy’s Volunteer team met the family at the beginning of the week and they worked together to complete this project. We are excited for their future!
6 Month Update: August 2026
Just 6 months after moving into their new home, this family is already seeing a big impact.
Their new home is much safer, more comfortable, and better able to withstand the elements of nature. Even when there are storms and strong winds, the family sleeps peacefully. They are also very resourceful! They have utilized parts of their old house to create a bigger kitchen and give them more space.
Samoun has recently changed jobs and now works as a construction laborer closer to home with an increased salary of $11.50 per day. With their extra income, they now rent a 1-hectare plot of land on which Hott grows rice. So far the rice is for personal consumption but they hope it will be a source of income in the future. Additionally, Hott plans to take a construction job with her husband during the non-growing season.
Their new latrine provides the family with better privacy, dignity and health. And the solar panel allows them to have reliable electricity without depending on an agreement with their neighbors. Beofre they had a clean water system, the family collected contaminated water from a local pond which they had to boil before drinking. Even then, they were often ill. The new well and filter are life changing.
This family is thriving and we couldn’t be happier!
One Year Update: February 2026
Coming soon!
Two Year Update: February 2027
Coming soon!
THANK YOU for being a part of this JJoy Community. Without you, this work would not be possible.
To learn more about JJoy’s projects and partnership in Cambodia, click HERE.
To sponsor a project in Cambodia, visit our Healthy Homes Campaign
