Sreynong (pictured on the right). Photo: CWS
In honor of #DayoftheGirl, meet 15-year-old Sreynong (pictured on the right). She lives with her widowed mother in western Cambodia. The family grows an herb called culantro in a small home garden and sells it in order to earn a living, but it’s never enough. Sometimes they don’t have enough food, and Sreynong dropped out of school last year after seventh grade because her mom could no longer afford to send her.
Sreynong dreams of opening a beauty salon one day. Even the smallest of villages in rural Cambodia have salons for hair cuts and for hair styling and makeup for weddings or parties. That’s why CWS is helping her join a vocational course to help her follow her dream. She is a quick learner, and is also gaining confidence about her future.
“I am so happy and proud of myself. I never thought I would ever have a chance to make my dream come true and become a beautician. I never expected this opportunity in my life. Now I have skills and hope for a career. I will be able to choose between having my own salon or working in someone else’s shop. I will be able to give my mother a better life.” Said Sreynong.