Here we share the personal stories of people who have benefited from our programs.
The remarkable & inspiring journey of Phal Menheak, a former PAGE student
Phal Mengheak is pursuing a Doctoral Degree at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, where she also works. Originally from Chikreng District, Siem Reap Province, she was selected for PAGE and completed her high school education. She went on to university and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, specialising in Water Irrigation Engineering through a scholarship provided by from Lawrie and Robyn Leeman, from Rice for Cambodia (RFC), Australia.
After she completed her Master’s Phal is now doing a PhD at the same institute. She has been working to pay for her continuing education. Now empowered and financially independent, she can support herself and her family. PAGE played a significant role in transforming Phal’s future.
A Journey of Growth for former CDV student Mr Pheanh Phary
Mr. Pheanh Phary and his five siblings joined the Children Development Village (CDV), Life and Hope Association (LHA) in 2006. After completing primary and junior high school he moved to Siem Reap City for high school. After graduating, he returned to CDV to volunteer while studying management at Build Bright University. Phary obtained his bachelor’s degree and went on to do his master’s and got married.
Phary also worked with an NGO in his community for several years before starting his own business. He began by offering micro-loans and as the business grew, he expanded into purchasing cassava and cashew nuts directly from farmers. Today, Mr. Phary is a successful businessman. His journey from a child in care to an entrepreneur is an inspiring example of determination, hard work, and self-transformation that continues to motivate others in his community.
A Great Transformation thanks to PAGE
Ms. Sat Nakin, 22, is from Somrong Cherng Village, Somrong Commune, Sotnikum District, Siem Reap Province, about 40 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap City. She is the third of four siblings. In 2016, she joined PAGE to finish her high school education graduating in 2017.
She moved to Phnom Penh, living for 1 year at Lotus Residence Dr. Ieng Sotheara’s house and graduated in 2024 with a degree in Tourism Management from Royal University of Phnom Penh. While studying, she worked in a shop to support herself and supported her siblings to get higher education and secure, fair-paying jobs which significantly impacted both her life and her family’s future. Nakin was able to purchase an apartment. She aspires to becoming a successful business woman and wants to start her own investment business.
Amazing Transformative Journey, PAGE
Ms. Thida Oeurn, from Chikreng District, grew up without a father. Her mother had to work far from their home, so Thida and her sister were raised by their grandmother.
In 2017, she joined PAGE, studied and worked hard, graduating three years later with excellent grades. Thida received a scholarship from Charaplast to study TESOL at Paññasastra University of Cambodia (PUC), Siem Reap Campus. While doing her degree, she worked as a Social Worker at Dream Training Center. After she graduated she was employed as a Project Manager at an NGO promoting local tourism.
Thida’s journey reflects resilience and dedication, proving that education can change lives.
Inspiring Transformation Journey, former CDV student
Sreypin’s story is a powerful example of resilience and determination. Born into a dysfunctional family, her parents divorced when she was very young. In 2006, her single mother brought her and her younger brother to the Children Development Village (CDV) in Peaksnaeng Commune, Angkor Thom District, Siem Reap Province. Sophy lived there until 2018, when she was given the opportunity to continue her high school studies at PAGE which she successfully completed in 2020.
Determined to build a better future, Sophy set her sights on working in Japan. She enrolled in Japanese language studies at the Cambodian Institute of Japanese Technology in Phnom Penh and, after two years of hard work and dedication, she completed her training. Now, her dream is coming true — Sophy is preparing to leave Cambodia for Japan on May 13th, 2025. We deeply admire her commitment and courage in pursuing her goals.