Ra Vanny, a 44-year-old widow from O’Tapong commune, Bakan district, Pursat province, lives with her four-year-old granddaughter and her elderly mother. With only a sixth-grade education, she has faced many challenges in providing for her family.
Life Before Joining the Project
Before becoming involved in the project, Ra Vanny supported her family by growing and selling vegetables and raising livestock, including cows and chickens. Her household once included six members, but three of her children migrated in search of work, leaving her with greater responsibilities. In addition to farming, she had to care for her granddaughter and elderly mother on her own.
A Turning Point
In 2019, Ra Vanny joined ADRA Cambodia’s Best CHOICES project. Through this initiative, she received training on home gardening, hydroponic vegetable farming, hygiene, nutrition, maternal and child care, safe migration, and balanced diets. These lessons opened new opportunities for her to improve her family’s well-being.
After completing the training, Ra Vanny established her own home garden and started growing hydroponic vegetables for sale. This not only increased her family’s income but also improved their nutrition and hygiene. She also adapted her family’s diet to include more nutritious foods, particularly for her young granddaughter.
Transforming Her Family’s Life
Thanks to the project’s support, Ra Vanny and her family received vegetable seeds and essential farming materials. She participated in two study visits focused on home gardening and hydroponic farming, gaining further knowledge and inspiration.
As a result of her dedication and the skills she acquired, Ra Vanny’s household saw significant improvements:
✅ Expanded her home garden, focusing on diverse and safe vegetables
✅ Adopted advanced farming techniques, including drip irrigation and hydroponic systems
✅ Improved waste management and household hygiene
✅ Integrated a balanced diet with a focus on three essential food groups
✅ Started using biogas for cooking, reducing harmful emissions and turning food waste into compost
Every day, she prepares nutritious meals for her granddaughter using fresh vegetables from her own garden. With more than five types of vegetables growing around her home, she ensures a steady supply of healthy food for her family.
Inspiring Others
Beyond her own home, Ra Vanny has become a source of inspiration for her neighbors. Whenever visitors come to her house, she eagerly shares her knowledge and experience, encouraging them to adopt similar practices.
Reflecting on her journey, Ra Vanny says, “These changes have greatly improved my family’s health and daily life. I am proud of what we have achieved, and I hope to continue growing a better future for my loved ones and my community.”
The Best Community Household Opportunities through Improved Community Empowered Solutions (Best CHOICES) Project is supported by the Australian Government and ADRA Australia.
