Thanks for visiting my blog. This is the first time to have my own blog, it is kind of excited. For those who haven't know me yet. Beside my full name, some people called me Nana. I'm 23 years old this year which is kind of scary, I have just realize that time run so fast. I'm a first daughter in my family. I have other two sisters and one youngest brother who are living with me in Phnom Penh. My mum is a clothes seller and my dad is a human right activist. I was born is a very poor family in Kampong Cham province, Cambodia. Having born in a poor family, my parents have struggle a lot for life, yet they have never give up my education. I'm so grateful for that.
I got my first job in the age of 14 years old as a part time volunteer, than at the age of 15, I have earned my first salary of USD 30 for translating during the election. My first salary was unforgettable. Just by having good English and strong commitment, I got selected to a youth exchange program to Sweden for a few month when I was 16. At that time, I considered my victory as it has been a real good luck and I have never imagine that I would be able to travel abroad again. After returning back from Sweden, I went back to my high school and continue my volunteerism with Khmer Youth Association. I finish my high school in 2003 when I was 17. Right after high school, the decision was clear that I can't continue my study in Phnom Penh. So I never consider of coming to Phnom Penh for university. Than, I became an English teacher at a school with the salary of 60,000 Real which equal to USD 15. Being a volunteer at KYA, offered me a lots of chances to attend workshops, meetings, trainings, and other youth activities. At the same time, I was somehow playing the role of my father's personal assistant and driver. By doing that, I learn how to write report, how to organize events, and how to handle pressure. Five months later, I applied for a job at KYA head office in Phnom Penh. I came twice for interviewing, than got accepted. Knowing that I got accepted for the work, my parents allow me to move to Phnom Penh in 2004.
2004 has been a new start of a new life. I live in my own apartment alone for about a year. Than, allowed some friends to live together. Everything I have today started in 2004. As a project assistant at the Peace Building project at KYA head office in Phnom Penh, I received more capacity building and got to know many people and network. I than started to be involve with Citizen Action Net for Social Development and Initiative of Change in 2004. Than, Friedrich Naumann Foundation in 2005 and Global Peace Initiative of Women in 2007. Knowing these organization, I got invited to different programs in Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, Malaysia, Philippine, India, and Germany. By now, the dream of traveling is not a problem anymore. I moved from KYA to work for FNF in 2007 after returning back from Germany.
I am now a Program Assistant/Accountant at FNF, a BoD president of KYA, a Core Team member of Citizen Action Net for Social Development, a Core team member and president candidate of Initiative of Change Association, and a Team leader of Cambodian Youth for Leadership.
There are really a lot more to write about life. Let me stop here, I'm open for any comments or questions. I've been always very interested in life story of other people.
For whatever reasons, don't give up. If you can't handle life alone, I wish I am there with you to support at least to be a good listener.
With Love
Sovathana Neang
