| By Kong Phano and Chhun Tal, ADRA Cambodia
My name is Kroeung Lai Eang, a 34-year-old farmer, wife, and mother of two boys—Mean Theang E, 11, and Mean Theang Rattanak, 7—both studying at Kampot Chhouk Primary School. We live in Kleng commune, Sandan district, Kampong Thom province.
Life Before the Change
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. I studied hard through 12 years of school, hoping to work at a state hospital. Every day, I balanced school with helping my parents—watering crops, feeding animals, and even working as a laborer to earn money for school.
However, as the only child in my family, my parents did not want me to move far away for medical studies. With love and care for them, I set aside my dream and stayed in the community.
In 2012, I applied for a position at the Kleng commune administration. Out of five candidates, I was selected as the third successful applicant and began working as a commune administration assistant. My responsibilities included preparing official notices, raising community awareness on agriculture, issuing birth certificates, and producing monthly reports.
A New Chapter with ADRA
In 2023, the TOGETHER project was introduced in Kleng commune. Through its Community-Led Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (CoLMEAL) activities, I was selected by the Commune Chief to serve as the committee secretary. I attended training with project staff and learned new skills, including how to develop community action plans and write grant proposals for community development.
My role grew to include preparing budget plans, making budget requests, documenting implemented activities, and producing detailed reports. ADRA provided the tools, knowledge, and confidence I needed to carry out these responsibilities effectively.
Skills and Knowledge Gained
Through my involvement with ADRA, I learned how to:
- Create indicators to measure progress
- Develop and implement community action plans
- Prepare budget plans and requests
- Write accurate financial and activity reports
Why This Change Matters
This transformation has made my work in the commune more effective and has helped me contribute to positive changes in my community. Those who actively participate in meetings and campaigns—especially on topics like reproductive health, rights, and preventing violence—are also experiencing change. However, some community members have not yet been involved and thus have not seen the same transformation.
Looking Ahead
I am grateful to ADRA and the TOGETHER project for investing in my growth. The skills I have gained will not only help me serve my community better but also inspire others—especially women—to take part in building a safer, healthier, and more equal future.
Acknowledgement of Support
This transformation in my life and community would not have been possible without the support of Global Affairs Canada, through the TOGETHER Project implemented by ADRA Cambodia in partnership with ADRA Canada, SickKids, and Salanga. Their generous funding is empowering nearly 200,000 girls, women, boys, and men in Cambodia, Kenya, the Philippines, and Uganda to realize their health-related human rights and to live free from violence and discrimination.