Small Investment, Big Rewards
A small startup investment from World Hope International Cambodia plus some agricultural training has been transformational for Sokhun and her family. They no longer have to migrate to find work and are finally free from the burden of an unpayable debt. Sokhun feels so much joy and happiness now because she can be home again, taking care of her children and supporting them at school by earning enough on the family’s farm to cover their expenses.
Income from their small farm was never enough to sustain the family. Unexpected expenses and the urgent need to borrow money kept them in poverty with no hope of paying off the debt. To keep up with their minimum payments, Sokhun and her husband had to leave their children with neighbors as they migrated to another province to work in construction. Their eldest daughter also left home to work in a laundry over 300 miles away. Parents and daughter could only get away once every two or three months to be with the rest of the family.
When World Hope was assessing Sokhun’s needs she showed real potential in agriculture production, demonstrating commitment and a willingness to be innovative. She received training in installing and using a drip irrigation system, making compost and controlling pests and diseases in her vegetable crops with organic pesticides. With a small amount of startup support for seeds, irrigation materials and mulch, Sokhun was able to expand her production area and improve her yields. She’s now earning enough to cover the family’s expenses, they’ve completely paid off their debt, and can even put a little away each month.
Sokhun says, “I’m happy and very grateful for all the encouragement, counsel and support I’ve received.” She’s working hard to earn enough to ensure that all her children will be able to be university graduates one day.
Cambodia Tbong Khmum Program
Led by World Hope International