A Grandma's Dream

Standing tall and speaking loud at the 2022 School for Life Scholarship ceremony, a grandmother spoke with her full heart, ‘I would like to advise our students to study hard and listen to teacher during class and please do your best to complete your education.’ .  
 
It is our pleasure to introduce Doeung Yom, a grandma of one of the 150 PeopleStories scholars, who has inspired many not just with her heartful speech at the Ceremony but the story behind her strength, resilience and be the biggest dreams catcher!

Growing up during the civil war, grandma Doeung Yom did not get a chance to receive any education. Instead, she learnt how to grow rice and vegetables to help her family. When she built her own family, Cambodia was still reeling from the devastating effects of the Khmer Rouge regime. Much as she wished for her five sons to complete school, they had to stop school between Grade 3 and 5 as there was no money for them to complete school. 

When it rains, it pours!  Grandma Doeung Yom was dealt with a severe blow when her husband died 21 years ago.  For the past 21 years, she not only had to single-handedly raise her five sons, but also had to help to bring up 2 grandchildren after a son’s divorce. ​

Having received little education, all her five sons worked as fish sellers. Relying heavily on the environmental factors, her sons barely made enough money to support their families.  Being the witness of the power of education, grandma believes that education is essential for children especially the ones who come from the poor families.  It is a chance to change their lives.  With that spirit, grandma Doeung Yom sometimes gave what little she had to help all her seven school-going grandchildren to complete school.​

Grandma Doeung Yom was filled with relief and immense happiness when her Grade 11 granddaughter was qualified for School For Life Scholarship since 2017.  The impossible dream of education for her generation, interrupted one for her sons, is now a dream coming true for her grandchildren!  She constantly reminds her grandchildren to study hard so that they can change their lives and help the family.  

‘I would like to appreciate PeopleStories and Madam Victoria for bringing scholarships for our children and I felt unmatched happiness and thankful for receiving the books, uniform, bicycles and rice for our children,’ thanked grandma Doeung Yom fervently. 
 
So, what is grandma Doeung Yom’s dream?  It is proudly to see her grandchildren graduate, get good jobs and have a better future.  ​

Her dream is now coming true because you have played a part. Please continue to help the children of rural Cambodia to complete school, give them a helping hand and gift a donation today.  
 
Story written by: volunteer Bok Hoon Ong ​