Education for 300 Urban Poor Children

From Shy and Silent to Brave and Bright: Channy’s Journey of Change

Channy is a 16-year-old girl currently in Grade 9. She lives in the Samaki 2 in Phnom Penh with her mother. She has two sisters who are married. Her mother, Yani, is 52 years old and earns a living by helping at a salesperson’s home. However, the work is irregular, and the income is not enough to support the family. One of Channy’s sisters provides some financial support to their mother, as her child also lives with her. Despite the family's challenging circumstances, Channy remains deeply committed to her education and continues to pursue her dream of building a better future.

Before her family joined the Sunshine Cambodia Organization’s project in 2021, they faced serious financial hardship. As a widow raising three daughters alone, Channy’s mother struggled to provide even the most basic necessities. Channy lacked a school uniform and essential learning materials, unlike other children her age. Though she had a strong passion for learning, she wants to study English, her family couldn’t afford to pay for any classes. These obstacles often made Channy doubt whether she would be able to continue her studies.

"I have a deep love for learning and a strong desire to study English, but my family simply can’t afford to pay for any classes. I didn’t have a school uniform or the basic learning materials like other children my age in the village. There were times I wondered if I could continue my education because life felt so difficult." Channy said.

Because of the demands of daily stresses and financial worries, Channy’s mother often speaks to her children with inappropriate words. Channy was quiet and mostly stayed at home. She hardly ever left the house, but she wouldn't help out in the house. She was insecure and terrified of messing up the house, which led her mother to scold her. She didn’t believe she had a voice that people could clearly understand, so she’d often just stay silent.

Things began to change in 2021 when the family joined the SCO’s project. Through consistent support such as encouragement, visitation, and club activities, Channy and her family gradually began to transform. Her mother participated in sessions where she learned about children’s rights, non-violent parenting, family relationships, nutrition and hygiene. As a result, her approach to parenting became more thoughtful, gentle, and emotionally supportive.

"Before, I didn’t know how to talk nicely to my children. I often spoke with anger. But after I joined the mother club with SCO, the staff encouraged me and taught me many good things. I learned about children’s rights, how to raise my children without violence, how to build good relationships in the family, and how to take care of hygiene. Now I try to speak with kindness and support my children better. I feel like I’ve changed a lot as a mother." Channy’s mother, Yani, said.

Meanwhile, Channy became actively involved in both the children’s and youth clubs. With guidance from the SCO’s staff, she developed valuable life skills, moral understanding, and good hygiene habits. These changes helped her become more respectful, responsible, and self-aware.

"Since joining the children’s and youth clubs, I’ve learned so many things that changed me. With the help of SCO’s staff, I’ve grown to understand what it means to live with good morals, take care of myself, and respect others. I used to be shy and unsure, but now I feel more responsible, more confident, and more aware of how to live well. I’m really thankful for the support that helped me become who I am today." Channy expressed.

Channy’s confidence began to blossom. Once a shy and silent girl, she is now a brave and articulate young leader. She regularly helps facilitate activities in the children’s and youth clubs. When the organization distributes project materials or works on school-based initiatives, Channy often takes the lead in coordinating with school principals and other key figures. She now speaks with confidence and clarity and isn’t afraid to express her thoughts.

"I’ve seen a big change in Channy as I have observed her in the club and whenever I met her during my visit to her house. She’s learned a lot about good behavior and morality—she now shows respect to her mother and teachers. She also understands how to take care of herself. Her clothes are clean, she keeps her fingernails and toenails trimmed, and she practices good hygiene. This is all thanks to the guidance from the teachers in the club. What’s special is that Channy has become much braver. She often helps lead activities in both the children’s and youth clubs. Whenever we have a project handover, she’s the one leading the youth group to meet with the school principal and discuss the plans. She now has the courage and confidence to speak up and share messages clearly." Ms. Chenda, a SCO Staff Member, said.

At home, she has grown more disciplined and supportive. Her mother now closely monitors Channy’s studies and provides ongoing encouragement. Channy recently passed her Grade 9 exam and helps with household chores after school. She takes care of her hygiene, dresses neatly, and shows deep respect toward her mother and teachers.

"Since Channy joined the organization, SCO, I’ve seen a big change in her. She’s braver when talking to people and speaks more clearly and politely. She pays more attention to her studies now and even helps with the housework after school. I’m really proud of how much she’s grown," said Channy’s sister.

Today, Channy is recognized for her eloquence, courage, and leadership. Both her sister and the organization’s staff have seen a remarkable transformation. She has become a role model in her community—active, determined, and focused on her future. She continues to pursue her dream of learning English and hopes to use her education to improve her life and support her family.

“My life has changed so much. Before, I was afraid to speak, but now I lead others and feel confident. I’m thankful to the teachers and the club for helping me grow,” said Channy with a smile.