Newest scholar, Reaksmey!

The new school year has started in Cambodia!  This year Victoria, our Founder and CEO, was able to return to Cambodia to take part at the annual scholarship ceremony together with other honourable guests including the Governor of Bakong district and the Direct of Education Ministry.  It was not only a celebrative moment, but it also gave the children and their families a boost of confidence in life as their much needed scholarships remain possible. ​

This year we provided 150 scholarships, 30 more than last year! We are ecstatic that with each coming year we get to support more and more children with their education journey. We would like to sincerely thank YOU for helping us with that!  

​Among the many new scholarship students, there is Hem Reaksmey – a Grade 7 student at the school in the famous floating village by the name of Kompong Phluk.  In this village, people build their homes on water as it is located in the biggest inland lake in Asia – Tonle Sap.  Houses there are very high and are pretty far away from the town.  Children travel by boats to school during raining season and ride their bikes when the dry weather hits. ​

Due to the nature of their work, Reaksmey's parents are hardly at home. Hence, the 8 siblings usually have to take care of one another. As a middle child, Reaksmey shares, “I always help to look after my younger brothers and sisters as well as the housework in my family. Sometimes, I will need to help my mother with tying fishing hooks until midnight.”  While these are normal tasks for Reaksmey to do, they may seem physically demanding and challenging for other children in more developed countries. ​

Having said that, Reaksmey laments that what makes it difficult is that she hardly has enough time to review lessons or do homework from school.  “I would appreciate it if I can be better supported both in school and at home” she said.  
 
We truly hope that with the scholarship, a small help is there to alleviate any worries she or her family has about school finances. In doing so, she may be able to dedicate more time and energy towards her studies.  

​Reaksmey dreams of becoming an excellent teacher when she grows up.  ”I want to help educate or teach the next generation children in my community.”  We certainly are backing her and her dreams! With her experience of taking care of her siblings we have no doubt that she would be an amazing teacher in the future!  ​

“When I was selected for the scholarship, I felt happy and lucky. My family was also very happy and urged me to study hard to show my gratitude to the scholarship team, my family as well as my country.” She shared emotionally. 
 
We are glad that Reaksmey and her family feel supported. While we do not need her to show her gratitude to us, what we do hope is that she will study well for her dreams and hopes.  
 
We hope you have been inspired by Reaksmey’s story because we most certainly have! Please support children like Reaksmey to complete school, head on over to our donation page! We would greatly appreciate your help! 
 
Story written by: volunteer Zeleen Thum ​