My name is Theng Kes, and I’m 33 years old. I was born in Krol Kroseang village, Kath Phluk commune, Borseth District, Kompong Spue province, Cambodia. I moved to Siem Reap when I was 16 years old. My current address is Kok Kroseang village, Svaydongkum commune, Siem Reap district, Seam Reap province, Cambodia. 

I am the second child of six siblings, one girl and five boys. My father was a regional soldier and sadly lost one of his legs during the war. Nowadays, he is a teacher of both Khmer traditional and contemporary music. When I was young, my family’s living conditions were terrible due to being poverty-stricken. I decided to grow some vegetables and raised some chickens for selling to support my study. I moved to Siem Reap to continue my high school study and pursue a bachelor’s degree. I studied in the morning and worked from the afternoon till midnight.  

After graduating high school, I studied for a bachelor’s degree at Mekong University on Siem Reap campus. I also studied at Sihanouk Reja University, located in Phnom Penh, stayed at Ounalom pagoda, and started working in a hotel at night. I walked to university every morning. Unfortunately, I studied only for the second year and then moved back to Siem Reap. When I arrived in Siem Reap again, I worked as a tourist driver for almost two years until I passed the exam as a tour guide based in Siem Reap, surrounding Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. I also worked as a teacher as a part-time job at my house. 

After the Covid-19 recovered and Cambodian people were gradually vaccinated, I decided to leave home to work as a trainer for the farmers on how to grow fruit and vegetables and raise farm animals, including ducks, fish and chickens. Moreover, I decided to work as a construction worker for almost two years. Even not earning enough, I was able to support my family. I am currently working for REACH Organization as a junior cycling leader.  

I really enjoy working for REACH because it’s an organisation that helps poor families and students. During the last three years, Reach has been essential in our community, providing food, school materials, English education, and bike riding club sport to all its students and helping their families. I have a lot of new experiences from Reach, and it’s a pleasure to be a part of it.