In La Oeurn Kraen village in Ratanakiri Province, 31 year old Chray Rina has become a trusted voice for health and change.
A member of the Kreong ethnic minority and married into the Tompoun community, Rina has been serving as a Village Health Support Group or VHSG member since 2019. Known in her village for her dedication, she is now seen as a model youth leader, someone who not only learns but also uplifts others.
Before the introduction of the KIRI Project, many families in her village relied heavily on long standing cultural beliefs when it came to maternal and child health. While these traditions were deeply respected, they often limited access to safe and informed healthcare practices.
“My community mainly follows cultural beliefs and is not well prepared before childbirth,” Rina shared.
Mothers were not accustomed to preparing essential items for childbirth, as it was believed that doing so could bring harm to the baby. Knowledge of antenatal and postnatal care was limited, and many women depended solely on advice passed down through generations. Discussions around menstrual hygiene and family planning were also minimal.
These challenges were not unique to Rina’s village. Across Ratanakiri, access to maternal and child health services has historically been constrained by geography, cultural practices, and limited awareness. Many mothers delivered at home without skilled medical assistance, and postnatal care was often overlooked, placing both mothers and children at risk.
Through the KIRI Project, implemented by Good Neighbors Cambodia in partnership with local health authorities, change began to take root.
Rina was among the VHSG members who received comprehensive training on maternal and child health. Equipped with new knowledge and practical tools, she began facilitating KIRI Classes in her community, creating safe spaces where mothers, fathers, and even grandmothers could learn together.
During these sessions, women gained a clearer understanding of how to care for themselves before and after childbirth. They learned the importance of preparing in advance by saving money, arranging transportation, and gathering essential materials to ensure safe delivery.
Equally important, conversations expanded to include menstrual hygiene, family planning, and recognizing danger signs during pregnancy. With this knowledge, mothers became more confident in seeking timely care from health centers.
This progress is reflected in measurable outcomes from the KIRI Classes. Approximately 15 percent of participants who attended the Mother, Father, and Grandmother sessions demonstrated improved understanding of maternal and child health.
On average, participants’ knowledge increased from 80% before the sessions to 95% after, based on responses from 300 participants across 10 targeted villages. Additionally, all participants expressed satisfaction with the sessions and showed strong interest in continuing to attend future classes.
The transformation extended beyond mothers.
Rina observed that fathers who participated in dedicated KIRI Father Classes became more engaged in supporting family health. Many began making conscious changes such as avoiding smoking around young children, helping create healthier home environments.
“I’m happy to see people in my community changing their healthcare habits,” Rina said.
Through her role, Rina has not only strengthened her own capacity but has also become a bridge between health services and her community. Her leadership reflects the power of community based approaches where change is driven from within.
Today, more families in La Oeurn Kraen village are making informed decisions about their health. Mothers are better prepared for childbirth, parents are more engaged, and communities are gradually shifting toward safer and healthier practices.
However, despite the increased knowledge among mothers, fathers, and grandmothers in the 10 targeted villages, there is still a need for additional training for VHSGs and community members, including mothers, fathers, and grandmothers.
Good Neighbors is an international humanitarian and development organization founded in 1991, working in over 50 countries to make the world a place without hunger and where people live in harmony. Engaging with over 200 communities globally, we empower people and transform communities through social and economic development initiatives. Good Neighbors has General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) since 1996.
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