SUCCESS & INNOVATION

In a quiet corner of Memai Village, Krek Commune, Ponhea Krek District, Tbaung Khmum Province, 13-year-old Chin Chariya lives in a modest, weathered hut with her small family of three. A grade 7 student at Chipaing Secondary School, located 10 kilometers from her home, Chariya embarks on a daily journey aboard an aging motorbike—a relic of her family’s limited resources. Navigating dusty red dirt roads in the dry season and muddy trails during the rains, her commute is more than just a trip to school; it symbolizes her unwavering determination to pursue a brighter future.

 

A Family’s Struggle and Unyielding Resolve

Chariya’s parents, Sok Mara and his wife, lack a stable livelihood. They are day laborers whose work shifts with the seasons—clearing weeds, harvesting cassava, spraying pesticides, picking mangoes or peppercorns, or fishing in nearby streams to sell at the market. These physically demanding tasks expose them to scorching sun and torrential rain, yet they persevere with steadfast resolve. Their sole motivation? To ensure their only daughter can attend school and achieve her dream of becoming a teacher.

 

Their income from these grueling jobs is meager, often barely enough to buy rice and sustain the family day-to-day. Recognizing their hardship, young Chariya steps in to help. In her free time from school, she joins her parents in the fields, picking pepper or mangoes, or assists her father in selling fish at the market. The small earnings she contributes go toward buying notebooks, pens, and other school supplies. Her sacrifices not only ease her family’s burden but also reveal a maturity and grit far beyond her years.

 

Despite their struggles, fate has smiled upon Chariya with a remarkable opportunity. She was selected to receive a scholarship from the Happy Cambodian Children (HCC) project, a collaborative effort between the KAPE organization and the Our Family Association. The scholarship provides her with essential school supplies—uniforms, a backpack, shoes, books, pens, math tools, and hygiene items—lightening her daily load. Even more significantly, she receives a monthly stipend of $50 from the family of the Kinchan Foundation’s president, offering crucial financial support for her education.

 

This assistance has become a radiant beacon of hope for Chariya and her family. Beyond alleviating their financial strain, it has fueled her determination to chase her dream. At school, she shines as a model student—disciplined, diligent, and always ready to help her classmates. Before advancing to Chipaing Secondary School, Chariya served as a member of the Children’s Council at Memai Primary School, a target school of the HCC project. This experience nurtured her confidence and leadership skills, laying a foundation for her future aspirations.

 

From a young age, Chariya has harboured a deep desire to become a teacher. She sees education as the key to transforming her life and lifting her family out of poverty. Within her youthful heart burns a fierce ambition, propelling her to study hard and grow every day. In her own words, she shares her heartfelt resolve that “I’m incredibly grateful for the kindness of Grandma Olla, Grandpa Hartmut, and Teacher Seyla, who provide me with monthly support for my studies. I promise to persevere and work tirelessly toward my goal. I want to improve my weaknesses, so I don’t disappoint Grandma Olla. I also want to repay my parents, who always encourage me, and thank all my supporters. To become a teacher, I’ll seek out more knowledge and practice by teaching my younger siblings, gaining experience along the way. No matter the obstacles, I won’t give up—because I believe nothing worth achieving comes easily.”

 

Her words reflect an extraordinary spirit—a blend of gratitude, tenacity, and a vision that stretches beyond herself to uplift her family and honour those who’ve helped her.

 

Sok Mara, Chariya’s father, once feared his daughter’s dream was out of reach due to their dire circumstances. But the support from the HCC project and benefactors like Grandma Olla and Grandpa Hartmut has rekindled his hope. He says that “I used to think I couldn’t help my daughter become a teacher because our family struggled so much. But now, I’m overjoyed and hopeful, thanks to the teachers and especially Grandma Olla and Grandpa Hartmut, who’ve guided and supported her. I’ll keep encouraging her to study hard so she can achieve her dream.”

 

This backing from her parents and community has bolstered Chariya’s confidence, reinforcing her belief in the path she’s chosen.

 

Today, Chariya’s life has markedly improved. With her school needs met, she can focus on her studies and personal growth. In her spare time, she pores over books, researches additional materials, and tutors her younger siblings—preparing herself for the day she’ll stand before a classroom. Her dedication and resolve make her an inspiring example for other children in her village.

 

The Happy Cambodian Children project aims to empower vulnerable children with better access to education, emphasizing literacy and math skills from the ground up. Chariya stands out as a shining success story—her courage, clear ambition, and tireless effort have earned her the support she deserves. Through the seamless collaboration of KAPE, the Our Family Association, and local stakeholders, she is steadily advancing toward her goal.

 

Jin Chariya’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of dreams in the face of adversity. From a humble hut in a remote village to a promising student with a scholarship, she proves that aspiration, coupled with determination and support, can overcome even the toughest odds. One day, when Chariya stands at the front of a classroom as a teacher, she will not only fulfil her own dream but also become a catalyst for change—lighting the way for the next generation of children in her community. Her story is a powerful reminder that from the smallest seeds of hope, great futures can grow.