Neang Chanthy

Date of birth: February 8, 1990
Location: Banteay Meanchey
University: Build Bright University
Major: Accounting

In Her Own Words

My name is Neang Chanthy. I am 21 years old and was born on 08 February, 1990 in Steung village, Roluos commune, Svay Chek district, Banteay Meanchey province. Currently, I am living in Kompong Svay village, Kompong Svay district, Serrei Soaphoan city. I have 3 siblings, 2 sisters and 1 brother, and I am the first child in the family. My father Beng Nen is a farmer, and my mother Sok Nak is a housewife.

Before I received a scholarship, my family lived in poverty, and we were struggling to survive by earning a little every day. What we earned was not enough to support me to study, and I applied for a GATE scholarship in 2004 through my teacher when they announced the scholarship opportunity to all poor students in the school.

One month later, I got the news that I received support from GATE. There was a large amount of support from the donor (Lotus Outreach), which included transportation (bicycle), study materials, money for extra classes, and other expenditure, etc. Moreover, LO also provided a life-skills training course and let me attend a computer course, workshop, and social activities. This was very helpful and beneficial for my future. Since I received support from Lotus Outreach, I and my family became better because donors gave lots of financial support for my studies, which was a big help for my family's responsibilities. To respond to the donor's support, my parents keep me encouraged and motivated to study hard. I won’t let the donors down given what you have done to support me.

When I passed the national exam, I was doing my best to apply for a scholarship, but the more I tried the more I failed. In the end, my family decided to pay my university fee as I requested because my parents saw my efforts to apply for the university scholarship and my passion for learning. So that I can continue my study at university, my family has taken a big responsibility for me while they earn so little. There are many things that my family has to consider such as accommodation, transportation, university fee, food, rice, documents, and monthly stipend. Now, with a university scholarship from Lotus Outreach, my family will be able to meet these issues. Lastly, I am thankful for the donors for still supporting me for all the stuff I have mentioned until I graduate from university, and I would like to say thank you.