Education for 300 Urban Poor Children

Living in a slum community, Thoeun, 37, and her husband Lin, 38, faced many challenges in their family. The minimal income they earned by collecting recyclable materials was not enough for their daily needs and to put their three children through school. They had to constantly work to get by and didn’t have time to be concerned about their children’s education. Thoeurn’s family faced many hard situations. These issues caused stress and problems in their family’s relationships. Lin would quarrel with Thoen and become angry with her. They used rude words with each other.

“My life is very difficult and I face many problems. No one helps or supports my family in that critical time. My husband and I do not have a good relationship. Many times my husband and I have conflict and are angry with each other,’’ Thoeurn said.

Since being selected into Sunshine Cambodia in 2015, Thoeurn’s family has changed and is getting better. Her two children are supported in their education. Her family was invited to join Parents’ Club and other SC activities. This releases her burden. Through SC’s program two of her children got enough school materials and uniforms to attend. They now have enough food to eat. They have less conflict and no violence or abuse. They help and take care of each other and live happily together. More than that, her family saved some money and bought a new motorbike.

“Now my husband and I have changed a lot. When we face a problem I always discuss it with my husband and find good solution. We are more patient. We care about and understand each other more than we did before. I like group discussion in Parents’ Club very much. Through Parents’ Club I gained more knowledge and have confidence to share ideas. I learn many good lessons and got to know many people. This has change my family behaviour and attitude. This makes us have good relationship in our family and with our neighbours too. In the future, I want to sell groceries. My husband wants to be a driver and have a van or truck. One of my child, Sina, wants to be a teacher of Khmer literature. My son, Seyha, wants to be a pastor,” Thoeurn said.