Soeurn Kakada, a 6-year-old girl, who had earlier faced challenges in accessing basic education due to poor living conditions, has now returned to school with the support of cash for education and eventually obtained a good grade in her class.

 

Kakada is a single-parented child of Ms. Nhuk Sreyroth, who separated from her husband during her pregnancy and is now working at a garment factory. 

 

“I divorced my husband when I got three months pregnant. I was destitute back then and did not know where to go, so I stayed with my mother, a Khmer cakes street vendor (steamed pumpkin/banana and rice cakes). My mother supported my baby and me until my daughter turned four. As street vendors, we three went out together and continued to generate income by selling those cakes,” Ms. Sreyroth said. However, a year later, I stopped selling cakes on the street and chose to work at a garment factory.

 

Kakada and her mother are now living with Kakada’s grandmother, Ms. Ban Roeurn, in Thlok Russei village, Sethei Commune, Samaki Meanchey District, Kampong Chhnang Province.

 

Ms. Roeurn said both Sreyroth and Kakada are the love of her life and that she is willing to do everything to support them.

 

“I shouldered many responsibilities when Kakada was small, and I was happy to do that. Our family condition was slightly improved when my daughter started working at the garment factory,” Ms. Roeurn said. 

 

Kakada enrolled in grade 1 in the 2021-2022 academic year at Spean Pou Primary School, one of the 32 target schools of the Safe Back to School– Pathways in Educational Equity and Resilience (PEER) project.

 

The project was funded by Save the Children Korea in July 2021 and implemented by Save the Children Cambodia in collaboration with the Provincial and District Offices of Education, Youth, and Sport in Kampong Chhnang province.

 

Because her mother and grandmother have often been away and unable to adequately supply her with study materials, Kakada failed to show up regularly in class; therefore, her grade was poor.

 

Luckily, in mid-2022, the PEER project offered cash for education as part of the scholarship program. Kakada was selected based on the criteria to receive the support of USD 85, which allowed the family to buy her a bicycle, a uniform, and study materials.

 

The support was not only helping Kakada to continue studying but also raising the awareness of her mother and grandmother to support her in learning.

 

“I was delighted when I could return to school and study. I am glad I can meet my classmates and teacher,” said Kakada.

 

Ms. Nom Chetra, Kakada’s teacher, praises her as a thoughtful and caring child who can easily make other students feel comfortable around her.

 

“Kakada is gentle and supportive. She understands clearly how she can assist her classmates with their homework or share what she has learned,” said Ms. Chetra, adding that Kakada is a fast learner, and with proper support, she can obtain a good grade, ranking number 6 by the end of the year.

 

“I feel proud of her and happy when her studies have improved. She comes to school regularly by herself,” Ms. Chetra added.

 

Vanak Rothnyta, Kakada’s classmate, said they often hung out with each other and shared what they learned in the class.

 

“Kakada learns fast and is willing to share what she is good at. She even shared with me the study materials that she received through the cash for education,” Rothnyta said.