Sokhea is an AusCam SHINE sponsorship recipient. Sokhea was referred to AusCam by a partner school when her family was in a highly vulnerable situation. Her father was the only one earning income as a driver for a factory and earned only $250 a month, yet he had to support his four children and wife. Living in a small rental house, Sokhea was the oldest and a hard-working child - she loves studying and always wanted to become a lawyer. However, her family condition meant she didn't have much hope as she didn’t have good study materials and thought she would drop out of school to work. 

Following enrollment in our program, Sokhea received all the basic study materials for the year (15 books, 2 sets of Uniform, Shoes, Bag).  Our social worker provided regular case management and kept the family motivated as well as support the family in any crisis. With the support, the family had less worries about expenses for Sokhea’s study, and could focus more on income. Later, her father’s salary increased to $300, but it was still too little to support the whole family; however, the parents were really committed to fight for their children’s education.

As Sokhea was motivated she applied and took the entrance exam to study in the New Generation School which is the best public high-school in Cambodia. Her hard work paid off as she passed the test and was accepted.

We have also provided 30kg of rice monthly to her family which contributed largely to the stability of the family. “We don’t have to worry whether we have enough to eat, and I can save money for children’s study or other expense” said her mother.

Nowadays, Sokhea is studying in grade 10 and  she really enjoys it. AusCam is also supporting her with an extra scholarship to study English in a private school. Sokhea is still aiming to be a lawyer for an amazing reason - “I can see that many poor people couldn’t get justice because they don’t have money, so judges not care about them, so I want to change this”. Sokhea said. 

Ratha is an AusCam SHINE sponsorship recipient.  She is one of the first beneficiary girls of the program and has a truly inspiring story. Studying in grade 7, she was only 13, but she was the oldest sister of her three younger siblings. When we met her, her father was a motor-driver and her mother was mostly a busy housewife of the 5 children, and they both couldn’t earn much, just $5 per day, yet had to manage various expenses. The family rented an old, 4m2 wooden house for $30 a month, without separate rooms or a proper toilet, and when it rained, the water leaked from the roof and flooded the house. Ratha missed classes so frequently and didn’t take any extra classes because she was responsible for looking after her little siblings; and clearly, she was at high risk of dropping out.

But we believe she can change her world, and we stepped in…

Ratha is an industrious girl who tried to go to school no matter how hard it was, because she believed that only education could save her and her family. With our scholarship, she had enough study materials and support from our social workers who work with her to encourage her study and help with anything we could. 

To increase income generation of our beneficiary families we were able to partner with Smiling Gecko to support Ratha’s family. They were given with a tuk tuk, so the father could increase their income because tuk tuk driving was a popular service and he would be earning more than driving a motorbike. 

And the positive changes started…

The father started his new business and after a while, his income increased to between $10-$20 per day which is about triple his previous income. Also, Ratha’s family was selected to be one among the most at-risk families and the family receive 30kg of rice every month. 

Ratha is now studying in grade 10 in a high school in Phnom Penh, and she has recently turned 16. Her study results improved from average to good, and the family has just moved to live in a new rental room the same size as the old one, but it’s made of concrete with a proper roof and toilet inside: they no longer have to worry when it rains. The new house is near Ratha’s school and she is able to attend extra classes and goes to school regularly.

Moreover, Ratha is feeling positive “Now I am happier than before because my house is nearby my school, my family income is better and I can go to school regularly” said Ratha. 

Rotha isn’t sure what she will be doing in the future, but has a goal to finish college. She likes working with others, and we’ll continue to support her fulfil her dreams. 

"Sokhea is inspiring. I can see her as a great seed for Cambodian development in the future." Sambath Soeurng, National Programming Director of AusCam. ​​