Men Socheata

Date of birth: June 9, 1992
University: Royal University of Fine Arts
Major: Décor

In Her Own Words

My name is Men Socheata and I was born on 09 June, 1992 at Phsar Depo district, Toul Kok commune. I have 4 siblings. My father Men Samith (48) is a driver and my mother Chey Chanthou (38) is a housewife. My family migrated from Kompot province and now we are living in a rented home in Reusey village, Steung Meanchey Commune, Meanchey District, Phnom Penh.

Before I got scholarship from GATE, we faced a lot of difficulties because the main income in the family is from my father alone who works as a driver. He can earn 5USD per day, but he cannot find work every day so sometimes we had no money. With a lack of income I needed to collect firewood to be able to afford school materials such as pens, books, and clothes. Even though my family has been struggling to survive, I still continued studying because I like it and I think education is very important for my and my family’s future.

In May 2007, I got information about the scholarship support from my teacher. I was very happy and I completed the form to apply. After going through many assessment processes, I finally was selected into the GATE scholarship program. My family was very happy that I got the support and received school materials, clothes, stipend, and money for tuition classes. I was especially happy about the bicycle for commuting to school as I had been walking before.

In August 2011, I took the high school national board exam and passed with C grade. With this grade I was accepted into to University of Fine Art, majoring in Décor, with a full tuition scholarship. My family and I were all very happy with this opportunity, especially knowing that the donors would continue to support me through the four-year course at university.  

I would like to take this opportunity to first pay my gratitude to my parents for giving birth to me; working hard and doing their best to bring me up; taking care of me; giving me love and warmth; supporting and encouraging me; and educating and sharing invaluable life experiences for which I can never repay them. I am also thankful to my siblings who have always given me good advice and encouragement to strive for success.

Last but not least, I am especially indebted to the donors of Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center (CWCC) for their efforts raising funds to support all the poor students through CWCC which obviously contributed to lightening the load of our families. I feel extremely delighted, lucky, and proud having many people (my parents, siblings, CWCC staff, and donors) by my side who care and keep encouraging me as well as providing financial support so I can study.

In order to repay all you have done for me, I am committed and determined to study hard to get success and become a good daughter and a good citizen of the society. I would like to once again thank everyone and wish you all health, success, prosperity, and all the best wishes.