By Thai San | Director
"I am so happy and hopeful for the future", said Chomrong when she graduated from our expert sewing class in February 2015. A mother of three, Chomrong was forced to drop out of public school in grade eight due to poverty in her family. After graduating from our sewing program, Chomrong set up a small sewing business at her home, fixing and making clothes for her neighbours. In addition to this, she was hired as our seamstress to make our Cambodian handicrafts.
After one year we hired her to work as our sewing teacher, so she could empower women like herself to gain a skill to move out of the poverty bracket. Chomrong receives a fair wage, ongoing support and development and education opportunities for her three children. This has resulted in repect from her husband, and a happier family life. "I had a problem with my husband very often, but after I can earn money he respect me and life is easier for us."
Our sewing program has had a big success this year; we have managed to retain 14 students in the program. Due to our stricter policy, our villagers understand the investment we make in them. Our announcement bike rides have expanded our reach, and as a result, all our new sewing students approached us, reducing the time we have to spend recruiting potential students.
Our program has been revamped to a 10-month program, consisting of five month semesters. We have also introduced quality control on lessons to ensure that our students are reaching their full potential.
Chomrong, who is currently building a solid house to replace her current wooden palm leaf house, says "I am very happy to be a sewing teacher. I was so scared at first, but I am happy to have employment and the support of HHA. I hope to help others move their way out of poverty, like myself."
Thank you for supporting us to change the lives of our community through empowering methods!
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