From a rural Cambodian village to the world stage of the United Nations, Sophalleng’s remarkable journey is a testament to the resilience, determination, and transformative power of education. Blinded at the age of four by measles, Sophalleng had a difficult start. Tragically, he lost his mother when he was 10, leaving his future uncertain. However, at the age of 13, he regained hope by joining the Krousar Thmey Special School for Blind Children in Siem Reap. It was here that he distinguished himself by his determination and willingness to learn. Not only did he excel in his studies, but he also became a mentor to his peers, tutoring other students and volunteering to guide and teach other visually impaired children.
In 2021, still supported by Krousar Thmey, Sophalleng graduated in Business Administration from the University of Southeast Asia (USEA) in Siem Reap, marking an important milestone in his educational journey. The following year, he joined Krousar Thmey’s head office in Phnom Penh as a project manager, managing projects for disabled children and taking part in national and international conferences.
In October 2024, he reached a historic milestone by becoming the first blind Cambodian to work for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). As a technical assistant specializing in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning, Sophalleng’s responsibilities are manifold: coordinating schedules, reviewing and analyzing projects with his counterparts, and integrating data into advanced monitoring and evaluation tools. Beyond these responsibilities, he is now the UN focal point for people with disabilities in Cambodia. He makes their voices heard and holds the position of vice-chairman of the working group on education and disabilities, where he promotes digital accessibility.
Sophalleng’s success is not just a personal achievement, but a beacon of hope for the visually impaired community. His life illustrates that with access to education, unwavering perseverance, and the right support systems, barriers can be broken down and anything becomes possible.
Today, Sophalleng is a role model, demonstrating that despite adversity, extraordinary success is possible. His journey inspires countless others, proving that no dream is too big with the support of Krousar Thmey.
