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Hieng, the young stick seller |
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A 14-year-old orphan, Hieng has no memory of his parents. He used to live in Prek Veng, 20 km from Sisophon, with his two older brothers, aged 35 and 19, and his sister, 29. The oldest brother, a former soldier, is married with children. Being extremely poor, the family lived in two straw huts on a plot of land belonging to compassionate neighbors. Hieng, who did not get along with his eldest brother, lived with his sister in one hut while his two brothers shared the other hut with the oldest one's family. Every morning Hieng got up at 5:30 am. He cut and collected wood in the forest as instructed to by his 19-year-old brother. He then rode km to school. Once his half-day at school was over, Hieng went to the local market to sell his bundles of sticks. Getting rid of all of them was nearly a matter of life and death for the young boy. For, if he came home with a sum of money considered insufficient, he was cruelly beaten by his oldest brother. Though frightened, sometimes even threatened with death, the child spoke out and repeatedly told customers about his plight. His story spread to such an extent that all the market sellers soon knew about it and an increasing number of people bought his bundles of sticks out of compassion. However, no one dared commit themselves further by snatching the child from his brother's clutches. One day, Hieng's teacher advised him to get in touch with an NGO, known as Krousar Thmey ("New Family") that might him. Hieng immediately passes on this suggestion to his sister who is aware of her young brother's suffering. She agrees to go and find out about this NGO. Once alerted, two Krousar Thmey staff members drive to Prek Veng and meet the chief of the village, who confirms Hieng's statements and admits that the best way to save the child would be to take him away. The young boy's departure is organized right away, taking advantage of his brother's short-time absence. The brother's own wife, relieved to see Hieng escape from this hell, helps arrange everything. Today Hieng lives in one of the Krousar Thmey protection centers, located in Sisophon. He still goes to school but his afternoons are now devoted to artistic or sporting activities. Above all, Hieng is no longer manhandled and will be able to lead a safe and stable life. |
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