Channy is 16, currently studying in grade 11. She was one of the 10 outstanding students in her class. Her favorite subject is mathematic. Due to the difficulties at home, Channy’s mother wanted her to quite the study at school and get a job as a sewing worker in one clothing factory near the village. Thanks to World Vision’s sponsorship program to enable Channy to continue her study.

“ I was born in a poor family of Somrong Tong district, Kompong Speu province. We lived in a small wooden house, my parent are all very busy with the farming and other supplementary work. So, I have to help them to do more work at home.

Everyday, I wake up at 4:30 AM to cook rice to eat at school, gathering cow manure, and fill the water jars for daily use. By 6:00 AM, I have to be ready for school. My school is about 8km away from my house, so it takes me about an hour riding with my old bicycle to get to school. My bicycle’s chain is broken, it takes me longer to get to school. I spent 8 hours at school. After coming back from school, I help my mother to cook dinner, stable the two cows, feed my piglet, which was given by World Vision, and give unhusked rice to my chickens.

Every weekend, I spent my time as a child club leader and also play with other children in the World Vision’s children club center. I really enjoy playing with other children in my community. I always tell them stories, draw pictures, and have fun with them.

I became a sponsored child when I was 10 years old, when some staff members came to my house and took some pictures of me and asked some basic questions. I was very happy to know that I would be sponsored.

Child sponsorship paid for my uniform and school materials. For my family and community, we have received a shallow open well in my house, compose pit and piglet. My United States sponsor has sent me many letters and post cards. Their wording have brought me joys and courage. I kept all the letter and post cards I received properly, so that I can read it again when I feel sad. I wish to see my sponsor face- to- face one day, I really want to meet and give thanks for their love and support to me.

When I grow up, I want to work as a community development worker. I think I understand and know a lot more about the situation of people living in poverty, because I also have experienced with that before. I want to help my community, my family and support my sister to study further. I want to bring smiles to the children in my community.

World Vision gave an opportunity to me- a poor child who otherwise could not have afforded an education. If I didn’t have World Vision, I would have quited my study to work for a sewing factory like the other girls in my village already. Thanks to World Vision child sponsors for the supports you have provided to me, my family and the community.”