Hands Across Borders is our Federation's (Soroptimist International South West Pacific - SISWP) current project (2006 - 2008).

"At the Conference of Clubs held biennially, delegates may vote to support a specific Federation Project in the coming two years. Clubs and/or regions may submit proposals. These are scrutinised by members of the Programme of Service Committeee and selected proposals are put to the vote." Source: Soroptimist International South West Pacific website. 

Hands Across Borders is about bringing health, education and economic opportunities to Sampovloun, Cambodia.

"Initiated by Soroptimist International Dusit in Thailand, this multi-faceted project aims at improving the health and education services for this impoverished community. Through involvement and partnerships with the community, government and other non-government organisations (NGOs), the community’s low literacy, high mortality rates for both mother and child are key foci for action. Hospital facilities are being improved, although basic services such as running water and electricity are yet a dream. To date, provision of clean water through filters and tanks, along with adequate sanitation are priorities. Basic facilities to function in the bare school buildings have been provided. Some homes are little more than cardboard shacks, which do not provide adequate protection. Malaria is rife, HIV/Aids is rampant, and malnutritution is extremely common. Land mines and unexploded ordinances are located throughout the surrounding agricultural fields, making the production of crops extremely dangerous. Education of both women and men will help rebuild the damaged society. Medical support save a tiny malnourished HIV baby - Basil Mark - who leapt into headlines when a past U.S. President selected him for a publicity shot in an anti AIDS campaign.) " Source: Report by Lorna Mead to the Glasgow conference in 2007.

In an effort to rebuild the local school and hospital, Soroptimist International is linking two of the most critical factors of economic development: health and education. Through awareness, advocacy, and action Soroptimist International of Dusit has established a program that will change the lives of women, children, and all members of the Sampovloun Community.

To help Soroptimists in this work, you can buy a gift certificate. The certificate recognises what you have purchased for Sampovloun and can be kept by yourself as a reminder or can be given as a gift to someone else.  They make great gifts for birthdays, mother's and father's day, Christmas, and for virtually any other gift-giving time.

You have the choice of purchasing:

• A Gift of Love from One Child to Another No. 5005 AUD $5 
• Safe Birthing kits (for 10 kits) No. 5006 AUD $20.00
• Library books or Khmer & English dictionaries No. 5003 AUD $15.00  
• Ceramic filtration system No. 5002 AUD $20.00
• Food packs No. 5009 AUD $20.00
• Mosquito nets No. 5010 AUD $20.00
• Mobile library trolley No. 5004 AUD $80.00 
• Family water tank and toilet No. 5007 AUD $100.00
• Family Pack (Mosquito nets x 2, toilet, water tank, water purifier for a family of 4.) No: 5008 AUD $120

There is a brochure about the gift certificates. If you wish to purchase a gift certificate, send a cheque or Australian money order with the name of the recipient/s for the gift certificate/s and what you would like the funds to go to (see above list) along with your return address to:

Hands Across Border Gift Certificate
Soroptimist International South West Pacific
PO Box Q817
QVB Post Office
SYDNEY NSW 2000

This project will finish at the end of 2008.