Foster Growth and Healing for 200 Cambodian Youth

With your support, Dary* is learning to build healthy relationships through Mission Dove Cambodia and willing to growth, stepping outside of her comfort zone and not being afraid to of learning new idea and challenge herself to meet new group of people. 

My name is Dary* and I was born in Prey Veng, a province a couple of hours east of Phnom Penh.  When I was 13 years old I moved to Phnom Pneh with my brothers and sisters. When I arrived in Phnom Penh I lived with my aunt. My parents are farmers in my home province, they farm to make a living and support their children in Phnom Penh. While studying Khmer at school, I tried to find an English school that I could afford to study because life was short and my parents wre busy farming with its many expenses.

A friend, Yuth, introduced me to Mission Dove. He told me that this school is good, all his siblings study here. I was interested, so I came to take the exam and I passed the fourth level English test. Coming here at first I felt a bit nervous, but over time I felt at home, I felt safe, I was happy, I could relax by playing games and spending time with friends and especially the teachers.  They have a good relationship with students, they are kind, friendly and warm to me. It feels different from previous schools I have attended.

I will continue to study until the end of this year.  I am also interested in taking the leadership class next year because I have heard from Yuth that in the class there are more things I can learn about self development and life skills.  This year as I prepared for High School graduation in August I was very worried.  The teachers encouraged me by sharing their experience from their exams to me, they encouraged me not to be afraid and keep a healthy diet, exercise and have a good study environment.  They emphasised do not stress yourself too much. They provided timely help which allowed me time to study and research more difficult questions for the exam. I am very thankful for the kindness of all the teachers and who helped motivate me for the exam, I really hope to get good marks in the exam.

I plan to study accounting at university next year.  While I study I will need to find a job to suppliment the family income, that is normal in Cambodia.  My time being connected to Mssion Dove has been a large help to my well being as I have grown through this stage of my young life and am very grateful for this connection.