At Acuity, we believe in giving back and supporting causes that create real, lasting impact. That’s why we’re proud to support ‘running water project’, an amazing initiative transforming schools in Cambodia’s Kampong Thom province.

Susie Lachal, Executive Director of Running Water Project, shares more about their work – and how the impact goes far beyond pipes and pumps.

How ‘running water project’ began

It all started with a problem, a solution – and people who cared enough to act.

‘Cambodia was in drought at that time,’ Susie Lachal, Executive Director of ‘running water project’, recalls. ‘Narith is a school principal in Kampong Thom whom I’ve known for many years. He sent me a message to say there’s no water in the village, and what can we do to help?

Susie’s response was simple: drill a well in the school yard.

‘Then the mums could bring their children to school, fill up their tanks with water and take them home. That way, the kids are guaranteed to come to school too,’ she continues.

That first well cost USD $1,200 – and marked the beginning of ‘running water project’.

But this wasn’t a one-woman effort. Susie had spent years volunteering with Teachers Across Borders, where she met Narith and Thy. And these are the two passionate Cambodian educators who now lead the project alongside her.

From clean water to classroom impact

As the name suggests, ‘running water project’ delivers running water to school toilets and handbasins.

Each initiative begins with a school visit, a conversation with the principal and village chief, and one simple question: What do you need?

From there, the team assesses how many toilets and handbasins need to be built, how many can be repaired and whether they need water connected to them with pipes, pumps and a well.

If the school has no electricity, a diesel pump is provided otherwise they pay for a connection to the local electricity supply.

A key focus of their work is supporting menstrual health. As Susie puts it: ‘If girls don’t have a safe and hygienic space to manage their menstrual health, they don’t go to school. It’s that simple.’

So the team designs or modifies toilet blocks to include hand basins, mirrors and bag hooks inside each cubicle – and ensures doors have working locks.

These changes may seem small or insignificant. But for many girls in Kampong Thom, they’re the difference between staying home and going to school.

Throughout it all, Susie stresses that the team’s approach is deeply community-led. And it’s important to make every decision in partnership with local leaders, ensuring cultural practices are respected.

More than pipes and pumps

When asked about the standout moments in the field, Susie shared examples that are deeply human.

‘Sometimes we’re really lucky to go into a school when there’s a ceremony,’ she explains. ‘Seeing the students performing the Cambodian traditional dances is an absolute treat – and very grounding.’

She’s also witnessed a growing shift in mindset.

‘Our work doesn’t just impact the children,’ she says. ‘It’s really about parents making the decision to send their children, especially girls, to school.’

Susie adds, ‘There are now more girls than boys in many of the schools we work with, which is really interesting.’

Her proudest achievements? The ripple effects: increased school enrolment. Stronger community engagement. Better health outcomes.

‘We’re doing what the UN Sustainable Development Goals are hoping for. We’re improving hygiene and sanitation so kids can get to school.’

Backing what matters

Through every challenge, Running Water Project’s mission remains clear: to support schools, empower communities and create lasting change.

At Acuity, we’re proud to contribute to that vision.

Our recent donation of $1,500 is helping convert three existing toilets at Kampong Thom High School into dedicated Menstrual Health Management toilets – designed to offer girls privacy, safety and dignity. Any remaining funds will go toward much-needed repairs in the school’s female toilets.

It’s a small step with a meaningful impact. Because when girls have the facilities they need, they can stay in school, keep healthy and focus on what matters most: learning.

As Susie says: ‘It’s not just about infrastructure. It’s about dignity, opportunity and a future where more children can thrive.’

We’re proud to support projects that create real change. Follow Acuity on LinkedIn to see how we give back.