Kheng Srey Loeut

Date of birth: March 2, 1988
Place of birth: Baek Chan Chas Village, Svay Chek Commune, Svay Chek District, Banteay Meanchey
Current address: Tirk Thla Village, Tirk Thla Commune, Serey Sophoan City, Banteay Meanchey Province
Father’s name: Lach Roeun (dead)
Mother’s name: Neuk Salong, Farmer
Siblings: 6 and the fourth child
University: University of Mean Chey (4 years), Korean Language
 
In Her Own Words
 
My family’s living standard is penurious with a lot of children, no regular work, and sometimes with domestic violence as well. Even living in this situation, I never thought of dropping out or missing school. With all of my struggle, I finished Primary School and continued to Svay Chek Lower Secondary School in 2004. 
 
In 2005, my mother wanted to take me out of school because she could not afford my education. I felt so sad because I did not want to leave school that early and I had never complained how hard I had to struggle having to travel on foot to school 10kms distance and coming to school with no money like the others.
 
Later on I heard about a scholarship opportunity with Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center (CWCC) for female students who are poor, orphaned or dropouts. I was very surprised and excited that there was such a scholarship. I asked for application form from school principal to fill out and apply. Fifteen days later, one working group member came to interview my family at home and not long after that the results were released and announced on a bulletin board at school and I was selected! I was so happy and couldn’t find anything to express my feeling enough...my hope was back!
 
The scholarship package that I received included study materials, hat, raincoat, shoes, monthly stipend for food, accommodation, bicycle and tuition money. I studied very hard and passed the high school national board exam successfully in 2010 and it was the first and biggest achievement of my life. Moreover, I also passed entrance exam at University of Mean Chey with 100% tuition scholarship. I was so overjoyed with the success one after another.
 
In late August I attended a graduation ceremony organized by CWCC. We were encouraged to try our best to continue to university and study hard while donor was trying to raise fund to support us. When I heard that, I was very much motivated and decided to enroll with the university that I won 100% scholarship though it was another big challenge and struggle for me since I had to cover big expenses such as accommodation, food, textbooks and documents, study materials and school uniform. If I didn’t get the support from Lotus Outreach (LO) on time, I would have dropped out in the middle of the first year. I strongly hope that LO will continue to support me until finishing university because my family cannot afford to cover all these expenses.
 
Last but not least, I would like to sincerely thank the donors for the tremendous support. I wish you health, full of happiness in life and advancement in your career.