Everyday hero - bong (Khmer for brother) Veasna!

​Our work at PeopleStories has given us plenty of opportunity to pay tribute to ‘Gratitude’.   Since the outbreak of COVID-19, most of us are homebound and we didn’t think continuous support to those vulnerable students and their families was possible.  Ohhh, were we totally wrong or what?!  

We are very grateful to our small but amazing team of local Cambodian volunteers - Bunchheang, Sarit, Jeff and Veasna - who have dedicated their time and effort to continue our mission to serve the communities in need.  They have truly shown us the power of unity and what ‘Giving’ means!   
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​Since April, our local team has been reaching out to families in need and delivered so far 2 tonnes of rice and 170 storybooks!  

​They have also carried out more than 130 care conversations with those vulnerable students who are at risk of dropping out of school due to COVID-19 and their families.  This brings not only the relief and care that they urgently need but also the empathy and hope!

​​Behind every successful team, there is always an everyday hero! bong (Khmer for brother) Veasna joined our movement in 2017 and continues to be the master in spreading positivity (not the virus)!
 
To put his efforts into context consider this. Veasna has been suspended from his job at a hotel in Siem Reap due to COVID19. He is the sole supporter for a family of 5 including his mother who has been in and out of hospital a few times. At the same time he is building a house for his family. Talk about pressure and, more importantly, resilience and staying positive to help others!

​During one of the recent relief packages runs we had an opportunity to talk to Veasna:
 
Q: We heard that you have been suspended from your work for some time due to COVID19.  How are you and your family coping?
 
A: “COVID-19 has impacted our province Siem Reap significantly.  As you know, our communities rely heavily on tourism to support our local economy.  Since February, the tourist arrivals have dropped to an all time low and the many local businesses had to shut their doors.  Being in the hotel industry, my housekeeping job has been suspended.  Since April, I am without any income and am struggling to look after my family of 5 people.  
 

I feel so sad because I am the only income earner for my family. Having said that, I will stay strong and overcome this horrible situation.  I hope COVID-19 will be gone soon and our lives can go back to normal.”

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Q: PeopleStories is providing Relief Packages to the students and their families in need.  What does that mean to you?
 
A: "I truly believe that these packages are very important, not only to those poor families but to the community overall.   I personally know many families who have many young children and their parents are unable to provide them with sufficient food to eat.  These packages give them the much needed emergency help and I also think it gives everyone some hope and a bit of good news!
 
Although I don’t have money or much material to share, but I have time and I am strong.  I am happy to be able to enable PeopleStories to help my communities.  I remember Victoria asked me, “Would you be able to help us to support those families who are in great need?”  and I immediately said, ’Yes!’."

​Q: Since 2017, you have been volunteering with PeopleStories.  Why?
 
A: I have 2 young children myself and they love going to school.  I strongly believe that education can change their future.  I do a lot of work for PeopleStories because they have been doing great things in my community and Cambodia.  Their work is real!  In the future when I can afford to, I will do good things as well, the same things that PeopleStories are doing now.  I am proud of being part of this team!



Our team at PeopleStories sincerely thanks Veasna and other volunteers to help make the change.
 
Do you also want to be part of our movement?  Becoming a supporter for real and sustainable change?  

Reach out to us at [email protected] and take your first step of doing good today.