Hin Srey Noch

University: Build Bright University, Phnom Penh
Major: Finance and Banking

In Her Own Words

My name is Hin Srey Noch, and I grew up living with my aunt Soam Siyam (53) who used to work as an administrator before she became disabled. My parents died when I was five, and my aunt adopted me. I don’t know how many siblings I have or even what my parents’ names are.

My aunt helped me through school until the 9th grade but then she stopped paying for my expenses because of her disability. I found a part-time job at a restaurant in Siem Reap working as a waitress which allowed me to cover some of the school expenses and help support us. The GATE scholarship program saw my great difficulty and awarded me a scholarship in grade 10 which provided me with study materials, school uniforms, and a monthly stipend.

After I graduated high school in 2011, I bargained with my aunt to find a way to help me study at university in Phnom Penh. My aunt agreed that given my aptitude, my future would be bright if I could get a college education and she sent me to live with her daughter (my cousin) in the capital. In exchange for helping with housework and childcare, my cousin pays my university fee.

This work is very hard on me, as I have epilepsy and I really appreciate Lotus Outreach helping me to cover my living expenses so I can focus on my studies alone.