OUR GRADUATES

VINH SOKHIM​

Miss Sokhim is a determined and resilient young girl from a rural area about an hour’s drive outside of Siem Reap town. She is the only daughter among five siblings, raised in a family of four boys and herself. Life has not been easy for Sokhim and her family. Her father passed away before the COVID-19 pandemic, and tragically, her mother died during the pandemic. Since then, all five children have been under the care of their elderly grandmother, as their grandfather had also passed away.

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Despite the family’s deep poverty, Sokhim showed remarkable dedication to her education. She biked long distances to school each day and worked hard to continue her high school studies. Through her perseverance and discipline, she successfully passed the national exam, a major milestone in her life. Her grandmother, although old and frail, continues to support the family by riding her bicycle around the village to sell traditional cakes, doing what she can to help feed and support the children.

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In 2022, Sokhim received a life-changing sponsorship from CEDO (Cambodian Education and Development Organization). Through this support, she was able to enroll in a midwifery course—a field that deeply inspired her from the start. Her passion for caring for mothers and newborns, especially her love for babies, grew even stronger during her studies. She has shown strong self-discipline, commitment, and gratitude throughout her journey, never allowing economic hardship to stand in the way of her goals.

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Now in her final year, Sokhim is set to graduate at the end of 2025. Her dream is to work at a government hospital, where she hopes to provide safe and high-quality care during childbirth. She also aspires to help her younger brothers—two of whom have already dropped out of school (one is currently unemployed, and the other works in handicrafts). She wishes for her two youngest brothers to continue their education like she did. In addition to her studies, she also takes responsibility for looking after her grandmother, balancing her caregiving role with her academic commitments.

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Sokhim is a shining example of resilience, hope, and determination. Her story continues to inspire those around her, and she stands as a role model for other young girls in her community who face similar struggles.

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YORNG CHAMNAN​

In the quiet fields of rural Siem Reap province, Cambodia—just an hour and twenty minutes from the bustling heart of the city—Chamnan grew up where and with the rice paddies and the lake. The oldest of three children, she carried a heavy responsibility from a young age. Her younger sister and brother looked up to her, though they all shared the burden of a troubled home.

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Chamnan's father, once a bright man, had fallen deep into alcoholism. Traditional wine was his escape. He disappeared for days, sometimes even a month, when he drank too much to cause a mental problem when Chamnan was in her primary and secondary school years.

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In grade 2, she was soon sponsored by CEDO, a local organization that believed in the power of education. That moment changed everything. From her small village, she was brought to the city for high school—a leap not just in geography, but in possibility.

 

Life in the city was different. Chamnan was determined to compete with city students; she studied hard, excelling despite the quiet ache for her family, especially her younger siblings, who remained behind. She dreamed big—her heart set on becoming a doctor, imagining herself in a white coat, stethoscope around her neck, saving lives with skilled hands.

But fate, as it often does, had other plans.

 

Chamnan didn’t pass the national exam required for medical school. She was devastated, but not broken. She chose midwifery instead—a path she hadn’t imagined, but one that slowly unfolded into something she loved. Now at university, she’s embraced the course with both curiosity and compassion. "It’s not medicine," she says, "but I still get to bring life into the world. That’s something." Her future remains unwritten. She doesn’t yet know if she’ll work in a government hospital or a private clinic, but she believes the answer will come in time.

 

Back in the village, her family is healing. Her father has given up drinking and now repairs bicycles for the neighbors. Her sister, now in grade 12, carries the same quite brilliance that once earned Chamnan her scholarship. Her younger brother, in grade 7. They are all walking forward together—slowly, surely.

Chamnan still visits home when she can. Her story, shaped by hardship and hope, is still unfolding—but it is hers, and she is proud of it.

 

 

 

 

KHEURT KHIM​

Not far from the majestic towers of Angkor Wat temple, in a remote corner where Khim is living, he is the only son in his family. He has two sisters. The older one left school early, dropping out in primary school to help around the house and the fields. His younger sister, now in grade 11, still holds on to her education, and Khim silently cheers her on, knowing how hard it is to keep going when this family is down by poverty.
 

Their father once drove a tuk tuk, guiding visitors to the world heritage of Angkor Wat, watching to admire the history through the people who lived there. But Khim’s father didn’t speak English, and as tourism became more competitive, he was pushed out. He returned to the land, where he now farms rice, year after year, chasing a good harvest that doesn’t always come. Their mother stays home, helping with what little she can in the fields and keeping the house in order.
 

Growing up, Khim knew what struggle looked like. His family’s life depended on rain and soil. Some years, the rice grew well. Other years, there wasn't enough to feed them all. But through every season, Khim studied hard, keeping his head down and his hopes high. When he passed high school, that year, CEDO selected him for a university scholarship. It was the chance he had quietly worked for—a door opening out of the fields and into opportunity. Now, Khim is studying Business Administration at a university in Siem Reap.

Khim dreams of running his own business, though he’s still figuring out what kind. For now, he’s focused on learning, growing, and saving every bit of wisdom he can for the future. “I don’t know yet what kind of business,” he says with a shy smile. “But when I have experience, I’ll know. I want to create something for my family, for my village.”

"I sincerely thank you for your kind support in helping me pursue my university education. Your generosity has allowed me to continue my studies and work toward a better future. I truly appreciate your kindness, and I will do my best to study hard and make the most of this opportunity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart". - KHIM

 

 

 

 

NIN VATHANI​

Vathani graduated from the University of South-East Asia with a degree in Finance and Banking in 2024. She is a smart and hardworking person, and throughout her studies, she was consistently at the top of her class. However, her journey to educational success was not easy.

Vathani comes from a rural village about 40km out of Siem Reap, a 40-minute drive by car, and often longer on a motorbike. Her father has been unemployed for much of Vathani’s life, or absent while pursuing work outside the village. He was able to support the family by renting land and growing rice, which ensured that there was usually enough food to eat. Vathani’s mother stays home to look after the house and family. Unfortunately, Vathani’s younger brother failed the high school diploma exam due to poor educational access and support from his family.

 

Fortunately, Vathani’s high school education was supported by an aunt on her mother’s side, She worked hard and received higher grades than many of her peers. Her dedication to her studies allowed her to gain entry into university, and the sponsorship she received from the Cambodian Education and Development Organization (CEDO) allowed her to concentrate on her classes. Throughout university, Vathani developed her communication and problem-solving skills, which helped her begin her professional career.

 

During her university years, she worked at various places. Finally, she worked as an administrative assistant at Xin Hou International School and was promoted to Deputy Director. She is very experienced in education and school administration.

 

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​​​SENG HEAV

Seng Heav recently graduated from the University of South-East Asia with a degree in Education.  Throughout a difficult upbringing, she maintained her commitment to education and now is the first person in her family to graduate from university.

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Her family lives in a rural community about 70km outside of Siem Reap.  She is the oldest of four children.  Both she and her brother dropped out of school at a young age. Historically, her parents have struggled with maintaining a consistent income.  Her father takes odd jobs as a manual laborer, but the income generated is meager, usually between $10-15 a week. 

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When Seng Heav dropped out of school, the Cambodian Education and Development Organization (CEDO) stepped in to offer assistance to continue her studies.  While her brother was given the same opportunity to continue his studies and declined, Seng Heav devoted herself to school.  During her studies and into her university years, the family often pressured her to stop studying and get a job to support the family. 

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While completing her education, she accepted a position as a Teaching Assistant at Lotus World, a Korean organization.  This enabled her to support her family while completing her education.  She is committed to helping her younger brother and sister to finish school and pursue higher education as she has.

 

 

 

​​SREY PEN CHUON

Srey Pen graduated with a degree in English Literature from the University of South-East Asia with a focus on teaching methodology.  She is the sixth in a family of eight children.  Her father passed away due to chronic disease when she was young, leaving her mother to support and educate eight children.  Three of Srey Pen's siblings had to drop out of school due to the pressures of poverty.  The burden continued to be overwhelming and her mother appealed to a local organization for help. 

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Because of her hard work and academic achievement, Srey Pen was given a scholarship to help her obtain her high school diploma.  She passed her national exam with flying colors and gained entry into university.  CEDO supports Srey Pen's academic journey.  She currently works as an English teacher at Smart Bright International School.  Her future dream is to open a private school in her community so that underprivileged children will be able to access a quality English education.

 

 

 

​​PHALLY LO

Phally comes from a desperately impoverished rural community.  He has four siblings: three older brothers and a sister.  His brothers dropped out of primary school and have since become fishermen.  His younger sister is in grade twelve.  Both of Phally's parent also work at the lake and generate a monthly income of about $200 to support the entire family. 

 

Phally considered leaving high school in grade 10 because of the financial burden it placed on his family.  Fortunately, he was sponsored by CEDO and completed his studies in Siem Reap.  He developed his English skills well and passed the national high school exam.  He also completed a certificate course in Travel Agency Operations at Paul Dubrule Tourism School, a renowned program in Cambodia. 

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At the moment he is employed as a tour operator.  He loves that his job allows him to use his English skills frequently.  He is a patient, helpful, and highly motivated young man.

 

 

 

​​​SINART YEM

Sinart is from a poor rural community where her father works to support his wife and three children.  Her mother is a housewife.  Her father's work as a fisherman does not provide enough to support the family and allow the children to go to school.  CEDO has provided a scholarship for Sinart to relieve some of the economic burden and free Sinart from the pressure of discontinuing her studies to support the family. 
 

Sinart graduated with a degree in Accounting from Vanda Accounting Institute in September 2021.  She completed an internship with Friends Social Enterprise as an Administrative Assistant for six months.  She had worked as an accountant for a construction company but was laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Sinart's dream was to live and work in Japan one day.  While she was completing her education she began studying the Japanese language.  In April of 2023, she realized her dream and got a job in Japan.  She continues to improve her language skills and would like to pursue a career as an accountant in Japan.

 

 

 

 

​SOR PHAN

Sor Phan was a receptionist at Treeline Urban Resort while he worked on his degree at the University of South-East Asia.  In 2022, he graduated with a degree in Law.  With the help of CEDO and his sponsor, Sor Phan was able to intern with the Child Protection Unit in Phnom Penh and has since gone on to join the staff full-time, working with Cambodian authorities to protect children and bring child abusers to justice.

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Sor Phan's parents are rice farmers. He has two brothers and a sister; one brother has dropped out of school to work.  Sor Phan was an exceptionally hard-working student during his time with CEDO and took every opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to become successful.  He has a strong sense of self and an equally strong work ethic.

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He is currently working with the CPU in Phnom Penh and seizes every opportunity to broaden his knowledge of law and pursue a career in the legal system. It is a daunting task, but Sor Phan has determination and commitment.  CEDO continues to offer him support in any way possible to help make his aspiration become a reality.

 

 

 

​MAM MOB

Mob has just graduated with a degree in International Relations from Pannasastra University of Cambodia.  She is currently a social worker for the Woman's Resource Center, a Cambodian non-profit.  She and her team provide free referral services, informal educational workshops, and emotional support to those in need.  During her time at university, she was a social worker for a Korean NGO working directly with scholarship students and providing services in the community.

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Mob's mother died when she was young.  Her father supports himself and two other children and they all work as fishermen.  Mob was in high school when she first became a scholarship student at CEDO.  During her time as a high school student, and then again while at university, Mob worked diligently to improve her English language skills, attended workshops, and worked to develop hard and soft skills.  Mob is confident, friendly, outgoing, and a great communicator.  She is the only member of her family to receive higher education.

 

 

 

 

UN THA

Un Tha is from an impoverished rural community.  She became a part of the CEDO family when she was in 8th grade and continued until graduation from university.  After successfully completing her high school diploma, Un Tha went on to study accounting at Vanda Accounting Institute where she earned her degree in 2021.

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She has become quite literate in computer skills, including Excel and QuickBooks, while also developing her English language skills.  Un Tha began work as a cashier with Amatak Boutique, but with the onset of COVID-19, she was laid off.  However, as the job market recovered from COVID-19, she was asked to rejoin the firm as an accountant.  She is proud of her employment of almost 3 years.  Untha is now a young confident businesswoman and is grateful to CEDO for the opportunity she was given.

 

 

 

​​​​NHEM POLEN

Polen is from an impoverished rural community.  She became a part of the CEDO family when she was in 8th grade and continued on until graduation from university.  After successfully completing her high school diploma, Polen went on to study Finance and Banking at the University of South East Asia (USEA) where she earned her degree in 2022.

She worked part-time at Prince Bank for 3 months but was laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic and she also worked for a Clinic as a cashier for one year during her studies at university. At the moment, she’s working for a Microfinance Institution in her community as Teller.  

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