Changing Lives One Toilet at a Time

Chris Woodard

KTTC TV

ROCHESTER, MN -- Before she was even old enough to drive one local teenager began changing lives half a world away with something as simple as a toilet.

Friday she'll be recognized by the Governor of Minnesota, but those who really appreciate Naomi Wente's dedication are those whose lives she's improving forever.

They are the faces, the stories and the struggles that push Naomi Wente to dedicate her life to something many twice her age have never considered.

Wente says, "Like the smallest thing really can make a difference. Like seeing what can happen if you just try."

This 17 year old high school junior has been doing nothing but try since a trip to Cambodia at the tender age of 14.

Wente says, "It's both ways. They help me and I help them."

While visiting the country with a group of college students led by her parents, Wente was shocked to learn that most schools don't have toilets.

It forces children to use open fields as bathrooms, something so dangerous and embarrassing many Cambodian girls drop out of school as soon as they hit puberty.

It's something Wente immediately decided she wanted to change.

Wente says, "When I first started no one really thought it was going to be possible to go and do this."

3 years and more than 4-thousand dollars later, this teenager is changing the lives of children all over these villages with her One Toilet at a Time program. She's responsible for getting 4 toilets and 4 wells to 5 different communities.

Former RCTC Employee Kim Sin says, "It means a lot."Cambodian native Kim Sin has been there every step of the way.

Sin says, "It's a lot of work. I really admire her for her hard work and getting up and running."A program that will continue running, helping hundreds with every trip.

Wente says, "The smiles of the children and the young women and the adults, to the kind of looks on their faces and the handshakes and occasional hug, you don't need words for the smiles and the gestures."

It's appreciation from kids just like her, for helping one toilet at a time.Naomi, her parents and Kim plan to take another group of students to Cambodia over RCTC's winter break.

If you would like to donate money towards a toilet or a well you can go to our links section to get to Naomi's One Toilet at a Time page.