Welcomed into one of Krousar Thmey’s facilities from an early age, Sreyleab, Han and Minea are now preparing to fly on their own wings: all three are among the young graduates with jobs in 2023 that we featured in our last Family Letter. Trained at the Sala Bai Hotel School in Siem Reap and the Don Bosco Hotel School in Sihanoukville, Sreyleab and Minea are now working as cooks, while Han has realized his dream of specializing as a baker. Hired in Sihanoukville, they were supported by the University and Career Guidance program during their first year in the world of work. They met the Krousar Thmey teams in February to give a recap of their journey.
It’s now been several years since the three young adults left the protection center and family homes where they grew up. They have each learned a great deal since leaving. Sreyleab, anxious at the thought of having to provide her own accommodation and food, was quickly reassured by the study arrangements offered by Sala Bai: “The school provides accommodation and takes care of the students’ meals,” she explains. Generally speaking, I’m a lot less anxious about the future. If I have any doubts or problems, I just ask around and find a solution! I haven’t had to worry about anything since I graduated. Thanks to Sala Bai’s network, I easily found a job in a hotel by the sea in Sihanoukville. I’ve also met some great people at school, and thanks to them I’ve been able to take part in exchange trips to Singapore and Thailand.”
Minea and Sreyleab meet the guidance counselors at Krousar Thmey in February 2024.
For his part, Han wanted to be on his own as soon as he started training at Don Bosco. Rather than reside within the establishment, he chose to use Krousar Thmey’s financial aid of $30 a month to share accommodation with friends. “I had to set a very tight budget, but I got by,” says Han with pride. “Now I’m earning a good living, and this experience is helping me to save money. Living on my own has also made me more responsible, and I’ve learned to manage my time and sleep. When you’re working, you have to get up on time and you can’t afford to be late.” Student, cook, and now teacher at Don Bosco, Minea has also evolved remarkably over the past three years. “I now know how to find the resources deep inside me to manage my emotions and not let myself be overwhelmed by the moment. To be patient.” In addition to his job as a cook, Minea teaches first years and mentors around 50 Don Bosco students. “My story is similar to theirs. I understand some of their difficulties, and I have compassion for them. When they have impulsive reactions, I tell them again: Think of your future first!“
Today, Sreyleab, Han, and Minea no longer need Krousar Thmey’s support; they’ve moved on with their lives. Members of the network of former beneficiaries they too want to help the NGO. They have also acquired a taste for independence: all three plan to open their own establishment one day.
