19-year-old Socheata has unfortunately already had to face a lot of hardship in her young life. Both of her parents left when she was still an infant, and she grew up with her grandmother. A survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime, her grandmother did everything she could to care for the little girl. Most importantly, though, she instilled a powerful message in Socheata from an early age: the importance of education.
Despite the challenges and the extreme poverty in which she and her grandmother lived, Socheata never lost focus on her studies.
“I worked hard from the beginning until I finished grade 12. I didn’t have any money because my grandmother is very old. But I put in the hard work until I graduated from high school, so that I can follow my dream to study in university”, Socheata tells us.
When we first learned about her story last fall, we immediately agreed to support Socheata on her educational journey. Education can change lives, and dedicated, ambitious young women like Socheata deserve the opportunity to build a brighter future.
Learn more about her story in her own words below!
Hello!
My name is Socheata. I am 19 years old. I’m from Kampot province. I’m an only child and I grew up with my elderly grandmother in Morum village. My mother left when I was only 8 months old, and my father left before I was born because he has a second family.
Last October, I moved to Phnom Penh nd enrolles in university. I am very excited and happy to be here. I wanted to study at university because it is my dream and I want to study well to have a good job in the future. Now, I am proud to be a student at Vanda University and the subject that I chose is Accounting. I’m really happy because I also made new friends in class.
I need help from this NGO because I’m an orphan. I don’t have a mother or a father, I grew up with my grandmother. My grandma can’t afford to support me in Phnom Penh. She lives alone in our home in Kampot province. She works at our local pagoda and tries to earn money there so that she can buy food.
My goal in the future is to work as an Accountant. I hope to earn enough money to support myself and my grandmother.
Finally, I want to thank you so much for supporting and helping me!
With Love,
Socheata
After graduating from high school, we supported Socheata in moving from her rural village in Kampot to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Today, we cover her rent and daily living expenses. In addition, we finance her university tuition and other education-related expenses, like school supplies and clothing.
We are incredibly proud to see this young woman pursue her dreams at university, and we will continue to stand by her side throughout her educational journey.
Support underprivileged girls like Socheata through education by donating to CYS today!
