Description
Phleu Vath’s Story
- From Rolous Village, Siem Reap.
- Born March, 1999. Age 24.
- Large family – 2nd sibling of 3 brothers plus two sisters.
Before Phleu, no one in his family had any education or exposure to a working environment or career. Now, his younger sibling, a sister, has been able to take up learning at school. Before this, there was no access due to the nature of his family’s situation.
He began his Scholarship in February 2023. In combination with his English studies, Phleu was also granted an apprenticeship with Nary Villa Hotel, Siem Reap. All are organised and sponsored by the Roots Cambodia organisation.
His daily commitment at the hotel starts at 6 am and finishes at 5.30 pm. Phleu manages various guest duties that arise, covering reception, management of the breakfast and lunch service and the busy cafe, where he serves up freshly brewed coffee for the guests. He is immersed in all roles at the hotel and has already undertaken a small party tour to Angkor Wat. Considering he started attending formal English classes three months prior, this was an outstanding achievement and kudos to the scholarship program and his standard selection by the charity.
At the hotel, he has exposure to the English language spoken by tourists worldwide, with various tones and dialects. A great learning curve!
Evenings are dedicated to going to Siem Reap University from 6 pm to 9 pm Monday to Friday to learn the finer details of English grammar and writing. He only has every Saturday off to visit his family, a 30-minute drive from the centre of Siem Reap.
Phleu’s Background and Selection
His birth and child growth are somewhat complicated, mainly due to the effects of malnutrition, which is also a continual factor in his adult life, although now it has improved much. Even considering the type of water he drinks is essential. Otherwise, potential sickness can re-emerge.
Usually, at the age of 24, it would be deemed a slight risk to invest in a young adult. But, this charitable organisation, led by Mr Sarou, have conducted their preference in selection without prejudice and openly discussed why he was the most suitable candidate.
“The donations are obviously our lifeline for the various initiatives we select and execute for our community,” said Mr Sarou, the founder of Roots Cambodia. “We are careful and look at the potential medium/long term growth of the person and the overall contribution to our culture of empowerment. There’s an understanding that these people selected will also give back to the local area in so many different ways. Not only are we supporting these individuals with exposure to language and work experiences, but with a view that these lucky scholars will contribute to the ongoing efforts – whether by setting an example to others or associated mentoring to younger prospects. So, we are not focussed purely on ‘numbers’ but investing in long-term trust; how we can benefit others interested in liberating themselves through our programs with tangible long term community commitment.”
Phleu’s selection process was made through several ‘known’ references: reputation with the community, interactions with his elders, and expressing total commitment – to making his life better and the young community following in his footsteps.
Other reasons for selection stemmed from his focus on opportunities. During the years prior, even through illness, Phleu had learnt how to use professional coffee machines to make various types of coffees (high demand in the tourism landscape!), and he also had a term showing apartments to potential customers for a real estate He always conducted himself with a smiling demeanour, humility and grace. Always on hand to help.
Due to his stature and previous health history, he tried but could not continue in particular employment available in these situations, for example, heavy lifting, construction and manual labour. It was impossible, but he persisted even though he would be in danger of harming his health indefinitely.
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