From Poverty to Possibility

Chanmony's Journey

My name is Roeun Chanmony. I am twenty-three years old. I was born into an impoverished family in Battambang province. My family does not have enough money to purchase food. I felt like life was so unfair to my family at the moment. I recall having barely 0.075 cents for breakfast when I was in third grade. This amount is insufficient to buy bread. So, my sister and I decided to combine and buy one loaf of bread. We cut a loaf of bread in half to eat together.

I had to walk to school every day since we couldn't afford a bicycle. My parents are farmers, so they went to the field and left my sick sister with me at home. We had to stay home by ourselves. I worked hard since I was young so I could help support my family. We struggled to complete secondary and high school. I had no idea about my parents' work.

?One day, after leaving from school, I saw them washing plates and dishes at a wedding ceremony. I knew they worked in the sun, heat, and rain. I saw them look tired every day. I was about to drop my university degree after high school. 

One of the best moments in her life is to have these hugs of love

Thankfully, someone introduced me to Giving It Back To Kids. After I came to stay in GIBTK, I felt so afraid of the new life and homesick. But everyone who lives in GIBTK is friendly, kind, and full of love.

Had a chance to dress up like other students to cultivate her future

After starting my university year, everything was so new for me - new experiences and new friends. In addition, I am growing physically, emotionally, and spiritually while living in the home.

Surrounded by girls whom she called 'sisters'

They have equipped us with emotional health lessons and life skills that allowed me to find who I am today. In my second year of university, I had part-time jobs while studying. While working there, I reflected on many things that I had learned in Giving It Back To Kids. I had to learn soft skills from Glow Club, which opened my eyes to be more self-resilient when I moved out after I graduate. That class is onlyfound in Giving It Back To Kids.

Now I work as an administrator and an accountant as a full-time staff in an organization in Battambang. Without GIBTK, I could not be in this place. I saw my life was transformed. I hope there are more girls who face hard situations will have a chance to get their lives transformed like I did.

?Your love and giving have transformed my life.

"We highly appreciate you and thank you for transforming lives"

Robert Kalatschan

Giving it Back to Kids

www.gibtk.org

robert@gibtk.org