Sreylen: From FH Registered Child to Empowered Youth Volunteer
A Journey of Growth and Empowerment
Sreylen is not your average 16-year-old. Behind her youthful smile lies a determination to make a difference in the lives of children in her community. Sreylen is a shining example of how One Girl At A Time can be transformed through the power of education and community support.
Born into a humble family in a rural village, Sreylen was enrolled in the Food for the Hungry Cambodia (FH Cambodia) child sponsorship program at a young age. This program provided her with essential resources such as education, healthcare, and other capacity building. But little did she know that this was just the beginning of her remarkable journey.
From Recipient to Volunteer
As Sreylen grew older, she began to realize the impact that the FH Cambodia’s program had on her life. She saw how it lifted her out of poverty and gave her opportunities that she never had. Inspired by this, she made a decision: she would give back to her community by becoming a Child Monitoring Volunteer (CMV) for FH Cambodia.
The transition from being a recipient to becoming a volunteer was not an easy one for Sreylen. As a naturally introverted person, she found it challenging to interact with others and step out of her comfort zone. However, with the support of community engagement and mentorship provided by FH Cambodia, Sreylen was able to overcome her introversion and develop the necessary skills to become an effective CMV.
Empowering the Next Generation
As a CMV, Sreylen plays a crucial role in monitoring the well-being of children in her community. She conducts regular home visits and assesses the children’s well-being and education. Sreylen’s dedication and passion for her role have earned her the respect and trust of both children and community people alike. Sreylen has provided a detailed account of her life journey:
Prior to joining FH Cambodia, I was an introverted individual who lacked confidence in communication and was hesitant to take on responsibilities, especially when it came to household chores and studying. However, I had a strong desire for new experiences and insights, and I wanted to become a young person who could make a positive impact on the community and connect with the children in the village, which would help me become more courageous. Therefore, in 2021, I made the decision to volunteer as a Hope Group Volunteer for Child Monitor with FH Cambodia.
Throughout my time as a volunteer, I have gained a wealth of valuable knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of volunteers. I actively participated in the Children’s Forum on Village Environmental Cleanliness Day and engaged in book reading sessions at the club. As a result, I have acquired basic photography skills, improved my personal hygiene practices, and gained valuable experience and motivation through various training sessions and workshops.
I have made learning a top priority and have found the courage to communicate with others in the community. Taking a proactive approach in my new role, I have utilized my free time to contribute to my family and assist the community. I have dedicated some of my personal time to educating children about their rights, raising awareness about domestic violence, and organizing activities such as photography and letter writing to their sponsors. Additionally, I have sought support from like-minded individuals who share the same goals.
My ultimate aspiration is to witness the growth of my community, where children actively participate in community development through engagement in learning activities, meetings, and forums. I strongly believe in empowering children to express their voices to everyone and providing them with opportunities to learn from others. Looking ahead, my goal is to become a role model teacher for children, youth, and individuals in my community.