Project Launch:

Meanchey is an isolated, rural community located 60km away from the national road. The community has limited recreational opportunities, and is plagued by high rates of hypertension, diabetes and osteoporosis. This project will lead to the construction of a community exercise center, providing women a safe space to workout and participate in workshops focused on proper diets and healthy lifestyles. The center will also be used for community meetings and youth sport clubs.'

 

Project Update

The exercise center was successfully built and the community celebrated during an opening ceremony, which included a blessing from the monks. The center is open every evening from Wednesday to Sunday, offering a variety of classes such as yoga and Zumba. Five community members were recently trained to lead group exercises and will begin instructing the classes by themselves. To help promote the new exercise center, the village chiefs and village health volunteers have been handing out informational pamphlets that highlight the benefits of exercise and proper nutrition and also provides the class schedule. Although the center has only been open for a few weeks, there has been a huge turn out, especially among students.

 

Testimonials

"On Monday and Tuesday, the rest days, I still practice the exercise dances at home in front of the mirror." - Sok, Project Leader