Program of Scale Site Visit: Connecting Communities

In the last week of January, CMIRC welcomed the Rotary Foundation Programs of Scale Site Visit Team for a three-day visit to northern Thailand, offering a firsthand look at collaborative efforts to improve access to clean water and strengthen livelihoods in hill-tribe communities.

The visit formed part of CMIRC’s Program of Scale grant application in the area of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, which aims to build on existing work and extend support to many more remote villages.

The visit brought together a wide network of partners, including community leaders, universities, nonprofit organizations, local government representatives, and Rotary collaborators. Through meetings, presentations, and site visits, the team explored how proven local solutions can be expanded to bring better health, stronger sanitation systems, and new economic opportunities to more communities in the future.

One of the most meaningful parts of the visit was a field trip to a hill-tribe village, where integrated water, hygiene, sanitation, and community development programs are already making a difference. Visitors were able to hear directly from village leaders and residents, see the systems in action, and better understand the value of solutions that are locally led and rooted in long-term partnership.

The visit highlighted something Rotary does especially well: bringing people together across sectors and borders to create practical, sustainable change. It also reinforced the importance of listening closely to communities and building on what already works. CMIRC is deeply grateful to all the partners and local residents who welcomed the team so warmly and shared their experiences so openly.