“Helping Cambodian people and children to get out of poverty is my passion and goal.” – Ponika.

Since I was young, I have always asked myself what can I do for my country? I have seen lots of problems and issues happen in society so I have wanted to do something to make changes. I want to contribute to the country’s improvement. Actually, there are many things that we can do for our country if we want to do. Let’s ask yourself which field would you like to choose? For me, I choose to deal with social issues. That is the reason why I chose International Relations as my major when I was in college.

I was walking on the wrong path in my career back then. I was young and desperately wanted to be employed. As a result, I worked for a private company. I wore a fancy office uniform and high-heels plus a fancy bag.  After working there for almost 2 years, I learned that it is not what I have dreamed of. So I decided to choose another path.

Now, I am working in an NGO that helps Cambodia’s most impoverished children. My job is to engage good relations between Cambodian children and various sponsors from all around the world. I no longer wore such fancy clothes or bags but jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, and a backpack. It is not because it is prohibited but it’s because it’s more convenient and comfortable. I also stopped driving a car to school or work but a motorcycle and sometimes a bicycle. Every day, I have to go to the kids’ schools which are close to the former dump site of Phnom Penh in the Steung Meanchey area. Sometimes, I ride a bicycle across the garbage to meet my children. During the rainy season, the road is full of dirty mud while during the dry season, the road is full of dust and wasted plastic bags. This job is not for those who care about beauty and want to be in a comfort zone because you have to travel under the sunlight and dirty environment almost every day.

From time to time, I have started to love my job more and more. I have never cared about difficulties or beauty. What are the reasons behind this? Well… That’s because of the kids I am working with. They show me their commitment to education, and the incredible change they have made after they joined CCF. If you get a chance to listen to their life stories, your heart will be broken into pieces like I did. They spent their childhood life hunting for garbage on the big mountain of trashes while other children enjoyed school, making new friends, and having lots of food to eat. The best place for them to play with their friends is a slam community that is surrounded by a bad smell, dirty mud, and wasted plastic bags. They were so innocent! They did not know how their life would be in the future. A miracle happened when, Scott Neeson, the founder of CCF, the former Hollywood producer, gave up his fancy life and wealth to help these kids out of the darkness. He is a hero and a father of all the children in the Steung Meanchey community. More than 2,000 kids were able to go to school and get an education. CCF not only help them to go to school but also provides so many supports for them and their families. This is what I am really proud of being a CCF staff.

I love going to their schools, seeing them, and laughing with them. What makes me really happy is when they can sing and speak English very well. Their sponsors and their families can see the bright future ahead of them! When I ask them what do you want to be in the future? The most common careers for them are teacher, doctor, lawyer, and police. Then I asked them do you know how many years you have to study to make your dream come true? They have no idea about that yet they said they will make it happen no matter how long will it takes. I smile and silently hope their dreams will come true! I truly understand that their future paths are a hundred times harder than mine because they have family matters to deal with not just study.

Another thing that I can do for them is to be their role model! I can show them the result of going to school and getting an education. They understand it easier when I show them the evidence and the evidence that I can show them is myself, my own experience, and where I am right now. I told them that if I didn’t go to school when I was young, I wouldn’t have today! I treat them all like my own brothers and sisters. I love them and care for them just like my own siblings. When I heard that they have a serious illness, I was so worried and I try to think of what I can help them.

No matter how hard my job is, I have never wanted to quit. Whenever I have problems, I always think of them. I have told myself that my problem is nothing compared to their problems. They are my big motivation and encouragement to work even harder! Not to mention my team as I already talked about them in the previous post (My “Incredible Team” ❤️).

With this working experience, I started to understand the meaning of “Do what you like and like what you do“. When you work in a field that you like, you will never feel like working but doing your favorite activity.

I am glad to be a part of CCF! I am glad to make a little change in those children’s life! I am glad to be their sister and their role model! 🙂

For more information about CCF please go to the CCF Official Homepage or CCF Facebook Page.