Habitat Helps Record 35,280 Families In The Asia-Pacific Region

Partners, donors and volunteers contribute to increase of more than 50 percent in families assisted over the previous year

During their school vacation, Phon Pisey (left) and his sister Phon Sopheak help their grandmother to make cloth rugs. Photo: HFH Cambodia.

BANGKOK, August 31, 2012: In the Asia-Pacific region, Habitat for Humanity has helped a record 35,280 families into safe, decent and affordable homes during the fiscal year ended 30th June 2012.

The increase is more than 50 percent over the 22,600 families assisted last year, thanks to Habitat’s partners, donors and volunteers.

Habitat’s partner families who have witnessed transformation include 12-year-old Phon Pisey from Cambodia. His family moved into their Habitat house which was among 22 houses completed during the Khmer Harvest Build in November 2011.

His grandmother Chea Sopheang said: “He is a very smart student. He started from No. 6 in his first month in school to being the No. 1 student in class.” Currently on school vacation, Pisey and his sister help their grandmother to make cloth rugs while their parents are at work.

Twice a week, Pisey and his sister attend free English and computer lessons at a community center completed as part of the Khmer Harvest Build. Pisey is clear about what he wants.

“I will study hard to help my parents in the future and I wish to work in tourism since this is my parents’ wish, and I also like it as I will be able to meet lots of new people from different places.”