This article was written in 2008 when I was working for World Vision Cambodia.
Change inspires Samphors to become
an outstanding student
Samphors Chhum, 14, is an only daughter in the
family. Her father, Savath Keo, 40, is a plantation worker while mother
Sarin Hin, 38, is a factory worker who earns USD 50 per month. Life was good
for the Chhum family, until Samphors got seriously sick with typhoid fever.
Her parents had to borrow money to pay for Samphors’s medical needs and got them deep into debt. Despite the treatment, Samphors’s health has not improved. She walks to school daily and felt miserable all the time. “I always feel tired and I have no energy to study. I cannot concentrate because I do not feel well,” says Samphors crying. Adding to that, her parents argue about so many petty things at home.
“When I see my mother cry, I know she has argument with my father. I really feel bad,” adds Samphors. With her poor standing in class, her classmates often ridiculed her. “My classmates always tell me that I am from a poor and quarrelsome family. I was depressed and very discouraged,” she shares.
Samphors always went alone in the field or pond to pick greenwater and water lily to sell, and buy school materials.
Things changed for the better when one day, a World Vision Cambodia staff member visited the community and discussed about domestic violence in a meeting. That must have made a mark and enlightened Samphors’ father who gradually changed. He began taking care of his family’s needs and showing that he loves them. Also, I have received school materials and clothes regularly from World Vision Cambodia. This action pushes Samphors to study hard. She does not need to take risk to pick vegetables in the pond as she did before.
This change has inspired Samphors to transform as a bright student who is always eager to learn. "I became an outstanding student. Our family life has become peaceful and happy, even if we are poor. Now, I am able to meet friends who value me. I usually share my experience to them so they can learn from it, too. I convince my friends who are always absent in class about value of education”, Samphors say beaming with joy for the change that has happened in her life.
“I became a member of child club of World Vision Cambodia; so I have a chance to learn about child protection session, domestic violence, and child rights. I also tell my parents what I have learned in club; they both really happy and listen to me,” smiles Samphors.
Samphors said now she can concentrate better on her studies and do house work to help her parents. “I can now see that my parents truly love me as much as I love them. I always help my mother to do house work-cleaning the house, cooking and washing clothes”, she adds.
Dreaming of becoming a good teacher someday, Samphors love to read Khmer literature on her free time. “I want to be a good teacher because I want to educate the next generation in my village. It also makes me feel good that children in the community would regard me with respect.”
Her parents had to borrow money to pay for Samphors’s medical needs and got them deep into debt. Despite the treatment, Samphors’s health has not improved. She walks to school daily and felt miserable all the time. “I always feel tired and I have no energy to study. I cannot concentrate because I do not feel well,” says Samphors crying. Adding to that, her parents argue about so many petty things at home.
“When I see my mother cry, I know she has argument with my father. I really feel bad,” adds Samphors. With her poor standing in class, her classmates often ridiculed her. “My classmates always tell me that I am from a poor and quarrelsome family. I was depressed and very discouraged,” she shares.
Samphors always went alone in the field or pond to pick greenwater and water lily to sell, and buy school materials.
Things changed for the better when one day, a World Vision Cambodia staff member visited the community and discussed about domestic violence in a meeting. That must have made a mark and enlightened Samphors’ father who gradually changed. He began taking care of his family’s needs and showing that he loves them. Also, I have received school materials and clothes regularly from World Vision Cambodia. This action pushes Samphors to study hard. She does not need to take risk to pick vegetables in the pond as she did before.
This change has inspired Samphors to transform as a bright student who is always eager to learn. "I became an outstanding student. Our family life has become peaceful and happy, even if we are poor. Now, I am able to meet friends who value me. I usually share my experience to them so they can learn from it, too. I convince my friends who are always absent in class about value of education”, Samphors say beaming with joy for the change that has happened in her life.
“I became a member of child club of World Vision Cambodia; so I have a chance to learn about child protection session, domestic violence, and child rights. I also tell my parents what I have learned in club; they both really happy and listen to me,” smiles Samphors.
Samphors said now she can concentrate better on her studies and do house work to help her parents. “I can now see that my parents truly love me as much as I love them. I always help my mother to do house work-cleaning the house, cooking and washing clothes”, she adds.
Dreaming of becoming a good teacher someday, Samphors love to read Khmer literature on her free time. “I want to be a good teacher because I want to educate the next generation in my village. It also makes me feel good that children in the community would regard me with respect.”
-Ends-
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