Dany's Story

Photo of Dany with University course payment receipts

KAN SOKHADANY (DANY)

We met Dany in March (2019). Dany had come to Pannasastra University of Cambodia (PUC) Siem Reap to enrol in an undergraduate TESOL degree.

Dany is 17 years old and lives at home with her mother, grandmother and brother and sister. Dany is the eldest child of the household and the highest educated in the household. Dany works as a teacher’s assistant (TA) and she and Mum are the income providers of the household. Their combined income is minimal and budgeting is strictly disciplined in the household of 5 with Grandmother helping keep the house.

Dany travels up to an hour each day on a ‘moto’ into Siem Reap for both her work and study. Her return trip home is often in the dark, with Uni courses geared towards late afternoon starts to allow students to work and earn an income.

We have taken Dany under our wing and aim to ease the financial burden on her and the household by helping with the financing of her higher education.

Dany’s interests include reading and singing; she speaks English and Khmer. She has just begun her journey into University life while working a full-time job. Dany wants to become a professional English Teacher. Our aim is to help guide Dany towards realising this dream so she can help not just herself, but also her family and community.