Foster Growth and Healing for 200 Cambodian Youth

Over the past few months, Mission Dove has continued to journey closely with young people in our communities. While our activities may seem simple on the surface, something deeper is happening—trust is growing.

Mission Dove has become a consistent space where young people can come to learn, spend time with friends, and experience a sense of belonging. Students visit our center to study English, play games, hang out, and participate in small groups where they can share their life experiences and personal journeys with others.

Like a second home, Mission Dove is a place where young people return not because they have to, but because they feel safe, welcomed, and valued. Through regular presence, listening, and shared experiences, we are seeing relationships move beyond surface-level interactions into genuine connection. Many young people are beginning to open up in new ways—sharing their struggles, hopes, questions, and dreams.

This kind of trust cannot be rushed. It is built slowly through consistency, care, and community. We remain committed to that process.

We are encouraged to hear that many youth in the community now have a safe space where they can learn, grow, and belong. Even more encouraging are the stories of personal change that emerge as young people gain confidence, develop life skills, and discover supportive relationships. We pray and hope that this mission will continue to reach and support many more young people in the years ahead.

One of these stories comes from Visal*, a student who has been connected with Mission Dove since 2016.

Visal’s Story

My name is Visal*. I am studying in Grade 12 at a Khmer school, and I am also studying Pre-Intermediate English at YESIC Center (Mission Dove).

Currently, I live with my father and my two younger sisters, who are in Grades 10 and 11. Our house is near Chbar Ampov Bridge along the riverside. My mother lives in the countryside with my aunt and helps her run a restaurant.

Since I was young, my parents have lived separately. I do not know the reason, and I have never dared to ask them about it. I once asked them to live together again, but they refused. Neither of them has remarried, yet they still do not live together. My sisters and I live with our father, and he is responsible for supporting the whole family. Sometimes I visit my mother in the countryside. I once tried living with her there, but I was not used to the environment because the family was large and very busy. I prefer a quiet environment, so I decided to return to Phnom Penh and live with my father.

When I was younger, I moved many times and even lived with my grandfather, who is Vietnamese. He once took me to visit Vietnam. Sometimes I feel like an orphan because I did not grow up with both of my parents together like many other children. I did not experience the warmth and care that I often saw in other families. When I compare my situation with others, I sometimes feel sad and inferior.

As I grew older, I had to learn how to live independently. I learned from people around me, from my teachers, and from social media resources that I found helpful. I tried to follow good examples by learning practical skills such as cooking, preparing food, organizing the house, and communicating with others because I did not have my parents available to guide me through these things. They were often busy with work and living separately.

One of the most frightening experiences of my childhood was when our house caught fire. My grandfather carried me out of the burning house, but the house and all of our belongings were destroyed. After that, life became very difficult because we lost everything. We had lived in a large wooden house, but afterward we had to move into a small metal house.

There have been many difficulties in my life that I cannot fully describe. Currently, my biggest challenge is paying for my education. My father must support three children who are all studying in higher grades, covering food, school costs, and other expenses. This year is especially challenging because I am preparing for my high school graduation exam and attending extra classes.

I first learned about Mission Dove through a friend in 2016 when I was still young. Last year, I decided to return because I believe English is important for future job opportunities. I also joined the Good Citizenship Class with my friend. I especially enjoyed that class because it helped me in many ways. The lessons were meaningful, I gained valuable experiences, and my knowledge improved. I studied alongside older students and built positive relationships with them. I learned a lot from the facilitators and from the older students who shared their experiences during discussions and small-group activities. I tried to apply those lessons to improve my daily life.

This year, I joined the Leadership Club as well. There are many students in the class, and I enjoy both the learning and the activities. Studying here makes me feel safe. The people here understand me, support me, and bring me joy, even when I do not always find happiness at home.

Most importantly, I feel relieved after sharing these feelings because I have kept them inside for a very long time.

I do not know what my future journey will look like, but I will continue trying my best to live well and apply everything I have learned from the people around me.

Thank you for reading my story!!!