By Long Samnang | Child and family development manager
Empowered by Education: Seanghai’s Story of Growth and Leadership
"I am much more courageous now, able to lead groups and speak confidently in front of many people, sharing lessons with my friends at the youth club. I now have friends who enjoy learning and walking with me at school. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my studies through the Sunshine Cambodian Organization (SCO), which has helped me build my confidence and given me the courage to walk with peers who love studying. Without the help of SCO, I might not have had the opportunity to study until now. My family is poor and they cannot afford my education. I am grateful to the donors for supporting me and the staff for choosing me for their program, which has helped me learn important skills that not only benefit me in my day-to-day life but also serve as a roadmap for my future aspirations," Seanghai said.
Sixteen-year-old Seanghai, a student in 11th grade from Trapeang Anchanh 6 village, has experienced a remarkable transformation. Coming from a family of five, with one sister and two brothers, Seanghai’s parents, Ms. Sreyneang and Mr. Ouch, worked tirelessly selling waffles to make ends meet. Despite their hard work, the family often faced financial difficulties, struggling to afford basic needs like food and schooling for their children. Seanghai’s dream of learning English seemed out of reach, and the family had no support at the time to change their situation.
But everything changed when SCO stepped in. The organization provided crucial assistance to Seanghai’s family, enabling them to cover the costs of supplemental and English classes. Not only were school supplies and food subsidies taken care of, but Seanghai’s parents also received valuable training on parenting, children's rights, family financial management, non-violent communication, and the importance of family relationships. They embraced these lessons, shifting from harsh discipline to offering guidance with kindness and respect. The family even managed to save a small emergency fund for tough times, further improving their stability.
Seanghai’s parents, now deeply committed to their children’s education, motivate them daily to attend school, strengthening both their academic progress and their family bond. Seanghai himself has grown tremendously. Once a shy, hesitant boy who feared making mistakes in front of his teachers and peers, he now speaks with confidence. "At school, I didn’t dare do my homework. I was afraid of being wrong, afraid of the teacher, and afraid of my classmates," Seanghai shared his remembrance. His fear held him back from fully engaging in school and at youth clubs, leaving him isolated and lacking self-confidence.
In the past, Seanghai did not have a good relationship with his parents. They did not talk to each other much. He lacked the encouragement needed to overcome his challenges, and his knowledge of hygiene was minimal, further impacting his well-being. But with the support of SCO and her staff, Seanghai’s life began to turn around. He learned about child rights, communication, setting goals, and personal hygiene. He regularly washes his clothes and trimming his nails. He also became more responsible at home, helping his mother with chores, particularly dishwashing after school.
Moreover, Seanghai is a confident and diligent young man. He is no longer afraid to speak up, both at school and at home, where his improved relationship with his parents has brought harmony and mutual respect. His parents, once critical of his laziness, now praise his hard work both studying and doing housework.
When SCO staff met with Shanghai's mother at the Mother's Club, she shared how much Shanghai has changed since joining the organization. "Seanghai is now more talkative, more courageous, and he focuses on his studies more than before," she said. "He also helps with housework after school. We do not tell him, but he does it. As parents, we now have a better relationship with him and with all members of our family, based on mutual respect and using appropriate language. I will do my best to support and encourage him to study hard. I want to see him have a bright future. I am truly grateful to the Sunshine Cambodian Organization for consistently supporting his education and teaching him valuable lessons," his mother added.
Ultimately, Seanghai has also taken on leadership roles in his community. He led a children’s club program and organized a successful environmental clean-up campaign. His proudest achievement was coordinating a clean-up event at Trapeang Anchanh Primary School, where students and children from Ponleu Kampuchea worked together to beautify the school, village, and the surrounding market.
Seanghai’s story is a testament to the power of education, guidance, and community support, showing how hope and opportunity can transform a family’s future.
By Nop Sen | School development program manager
By Nop Sen | School development program manager
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