"When my father died, I had to stop school at grade 5 and started working in the farm. 

I grew up in a single mother’s home. My father was a drunk and my mother was abused frequently. When I was young, she finally had the courage to divorce him. I guess enough is enough, but I was sad about it.

Now, I have 2 children and they are at primary school age. My husband is a good man and we are happy as a family.

Since I was young, I have always been interested in beautiful things. I crossed the board to Thailand and studied at a beauty school some years ago.

I first started as a hair dresser and then became a massage therapist. I have been massaging for 6 years.

My dream is to open up a hair salon one day, so that I can afford to send my children to university. I think it will be great if they can work in the tourism industry here in Siem Reap."

"I am a victim of wars! One night in the 70’s, my parents were taken away and got killed in the village. Only 2 of my 4 other siblings survived together with me.

Because of the war and we were very poor, I only went to school for a year. I started farming ever since and I really enjoy it!

After a few years of marriage, I became a widow as my husband passed away due to illness. So, I had to raise my children on my own, which I am very proud of.

In life, I just keep going! At the age of 76 now, I still farm everyday! I want to earn more money, so that my grandchildren can attend school.

I was fortunate enough to receive some help from a sponsor, who built a better home for us a year ago. I was so happy then!"

"I live in this floating village and have been selling snacks to tourist on a boat for 6 years.  Since I was young, I always like selling.  I grew up in a big family and have 8 other siblings.  My mother was a single parent and worked hard to bring us all up.  Because my family was poor, I had to stop school in Grade 3.  I learned my English from the many tourists I met and I am happy.  If I had lots of money, I would buy a bigger boat.  My dream is to see my children finish high school and be educated."

"I am 2 years old and I love eating biscuits. My favourite colour is red and I love playing with water." This little girl's mother dream is to see her becoming a teacher one day.

"With 8 other siblings, my parents are not rich but we get by.  I have a daughter and a son, and I love my family.  In fact, I have a happy life!  I have been running this roadside store for 15 years and each day I can make around $12.  I think I am clever as I also have 10 cows, which I lease them out to others for farming during the day.  My son helps me taking care of the cows when they come home in the late afternoon.  I used to dream to become a teacher but now my dream is to build a nice house for my family."

"I am 4 years old and just started going to school. School is fun!  I am the only child and I live with my parents and grandmother who takes me to school everyday.  Red is my favorite colour and I love riding my bike at free time.  If you ask me about my dream?  I can only tell you that 'I don't know'."

"When I was 13, I almost died from illness.  For a period of 3 months, I had to bed rest and my father was looking after me all that time.  I dreamed of seeing a crowd of people on slippery mud. They shouted for help as they were falling from a tall bridge and I was warning them to be careful. I could never forget about this dream! ...

"When I was young, I never had any dreams as it was war time.  Now, my dream is to be part of the political party as I want to help my country.  I am 58 years old and a tuk tuk driver in the city of Siem Reap.  Although I only completed grade 4 at school, I am proud of my achievements in life.  I was a farmer most of my life and it was tough because farming is hard work.  I am glad to save up enough money for a tuk tuk 5 years ago and now I can enjoy having my own business and its freedom.   I live a happy life and I have a lovely wife and 8 grandchildren to play with."