Sopheareak is one of the 45 youths who have had the opportunity to develop their skills for income generation through the Youth Livelihood Development Project in Trapeang Prasat District, Oddar Meanchey Province.
Sopheareak dreams of becoming a barber in the community where he lives. He dropped out of school in grade 5th due to family problems, and his house was far from school. Sopheareak said, “I wanted to continue my education, but it was not possible, so I decided to quit school to help my parents with farming activities. After dropping out of school, I did not have any skills to support my family, only my parents’ farm work.” The starting point of my Hope to be a barber started then.
“I was timid, and I never learned any skills. I used to ask my parents to learn barber skills, but due to family factors, my parents did not have enough money to support me. Now, this scissor is in my hand; it brings a smile to me and the guest who got his favorite hairstyle. I am beginning to see the light of my Hope,” said Sopheareak.
“My Hope of becoming a barber started the first day I received information from the village chief about the FH Cambodia Youth Livelihood Development Project. After receiving this information, a smile appeared on my face and my mother’s faces. Then, my mother contacted the village chief to fill out an application to learn the skills of a barber. FH Cambodia staff and CCWC also visited me at home to encourage me and explain to me more about the benefits I will receive when I enter a vocational course,” he highlighted.
“I have enrolled and practiced barber skills. I have also received other training courses on gender, morality, ethics, behavior, household financial literacy and business management, savings, and job readiness. I finished my skills in January 2024, but I needed more experience, so I decided to work with a master to strengthen my skills further and earn some money to support my daily expenses,” he added.
“This skill also made my hopes come true; even though I do not have my shop right now, I will continue to use this scissor to walk towards the Hope of opening my barbershop,” he determined.
“I want to thank FH Cambodia for giving opportunities to me and other youths. All young people have dreams for their future, but most of us have not had that opportunity. Support from parents and society is critical for youths to get the chance to pursue their dreams,” he concluded.