Delivering Hope: A Conversation with Pheak

In recent months, our world has witnessed heartbreak near the Thai-Cambodian border. Over 200,000 Cambodians have been displaced, and hundreds of schools have closed. 

Thanks to your support, we have been able to provide 2 tons of rice, 432 boxes of milk, 150 bundles of school supplies to children and their families starting over in new villages. 

During our mission to provide relief packages to refugees, we had the privilege of speaking with Pheak, an 11-year-old girl who shared her harrowing experience:

“One day, we were all in the classroom learning Khmer. Suddenly, there was a very loud explosion, and I knew our school had been bombed.”

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Pheak escaped the border conflict alongside her mother. They traveled for a long time on a farming vehicle, having little time to gather their belongings, and eventually arrived at Rolous village in rural Siem Reap.

She continued, “All of us, the students, didn’t know what to do but to follow our teacher and run out of the classroom.”

“We were all hiding in nearby holes, hoping to evade any violence. Some of my friends cried a lot, and we were all very scared.”

Children are innocent and should not be subjected to violence. 

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Out of curiosity, Founder Victoria asked Pheak, “Now that you are living in our village and studying at a new school, would you like to return to your homeland?”

Without hesitation, she replied, “Yes! I miss my friends and my home. I would like to go back.” As Pheak recalled her friends and recent memories from the border, another young girl joined our conversation.

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Pheak mentioned, “Sim Sim and I came from the same village, although we attended different schools. We didn’t arrive in this new village together, but we have found each other here.”

Sim Sim added, “We are good friends now 🧡.”

Love and compassion foster hope and resilience. We truly wish these girls, along with all innocent children, safety, well-being, and the continued opportunity to attend school.

We invite you to join us in making a difference: https://bit.ly/PS_Donate2025

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Story written by: Volunteer Aziza Monroe