Pho Channy

Date of birth: July 20, 1989
Place of birth: Svay Thmei Village, Kob Commune, Ochrov District, Banteay Meanchey Province
Current address: Svay Thmei Village, Kob Commune, Ochrov District, Banteay Meanchey Province
Father’s name: Pho Ram, Age: 65, Occupation: Farmer
Mother’s name: Chea Eak, Age: 55 Occupation: Farmer
Siblings: 5 (4 girls, 1 boy) and the fourth child
University: University of Mean Chey (4 years), Korean Language and Social Studies
 
In Her Own Words
 
Lotus Outreach had been supporting me since 2007 when I was in 10th grade at Kob High School. I was selected to be scholarship student because my parents couldn’t afford to keep me in school. The program provided me with study materials, a bicycle, and some money to support my studies. 
 
My parents only do subsistence farm work and it is not enough to get by; when they are done with farm work, they have to migrate to work as laborers in Thailand to support my siblings’ and my education. When I was in 10th grade, my parents told me that they could not afford to keep me in school any more because the higher grade I reached, the more expensive it became to keep me in school. When I heard this, I almost lost my consciousness and became hopeless about my future.
 
Luckily, not so long after I heard about a scholarship program of LO and Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center (CWCC). I was so excited about the news and thought to myself that I stood a chance to continue school now! I applied for it and went through many selection processes of the program. After having an interview with the program staff and having my social investigation done, I was informed that I won the scholarship! My hope of finishing high school came back to me and I committed and studied hard until passing the High School National Board Exam. Then I applied to university and after sitting an entrance exam, I won a 100% scholarship for 4 years tuition, majoring in Korean Language and Social Studies. I was indescribably happy with this biggest achievement in my life. However, I was also worried if I could afford to stay in school since the scholarship from school only covers school fee but not other expenses such as study materials, textbooks, school uniform, accommodation, food, and computer course.
 
Now that Lotus Outreach continues to support me through this 4-year course, I commit to study hard to return your generosity. When I graduate, I will look for a job with every institution to support my family. I will also train myself to be a good and useful person in the society.  Finally, I would like to deeply thank you for the support so far. I wish everyone who has contributed to this program health, happiness, success and good luck with everything you do.