In the rural heartlands of Cambodia, where farming sustains families but often demands their full attention, one mother’s quiet transformation is now echoing as a powerful story of change — not only for her children but for an entire community.
Sorn Chanthy and her husband, Hak Cheveun, both completed their education only up to Grade 9. For years, they worked tirelessly on farms and construction sites far from their home, leaving their young children in the care of Chanthy’s elderly mother. “Back then, I didn’t pay much attention to my children,” Chanthy admitted. “They were often sick and became very thin.”
A New Chapter Begins
Everything began to change two years ago, when Chanthy became part of a Reflect Circle (RC) group — a safe and supportive space where community members, especially women, come together to learn, share, and grow. With her husband often away working, Chanthy gradually began taking more responsibility for the household. Through the support of the BEST CHOICES project by ADRA Cambodia, she and her family received a latrine, a water filter, and practical training in nutrition, hygiene, and sustainable home gardening. They were also given startup seeds for a kitchen garden and began raising chickens to boost family income.
From Malnourished to Thriving
During a routine health check with her Reflect Circle group, Chanthy learned that her daughter was malnourished — and her son was classified as severely malnourished. This was a wake-up call. “I immediately joined the PD/Hearth NERP sessions,” she recalled. “There, I learned about child nutrition, hygiene, complementary feeding, and how to cook nutritious meals using what we already had.”
Chanthy took those lessons seriously. “I practiced what I learned both in the group and at home for 30 days,” she said. “By the end of that period, my daughter had reached a healthy nutritional status, and my son was no longer severely malnourished. Today, both of them are growing well and rarely fall sick.”
Building a Healthier, More Supportive Home
The positive changes extended beyond just health. With clean water, proper sanitation, and new habits in place, Chanthy found herself more confident and capable. Her husband, too, started to see things differently. “He’s now more aware of gender roles,” she shared. “He helps with household chores and takes care of the children — something that didn’t happen before.”
Lifting Others While Rising
Chanthy now plays an active role in her Reflect Circle group, not just as a participant, but as an encourager. She shares what she has learned with other mothers in her village, becoming a source of hope and wisdom in her community. “I’m proud to share my knowledge on childcare and nutrition. I’m truly thankful to ADRA for giving me this life-changing education and support,” she said with a smile.
This inspiring journey is part of the Best Community Household Opportunities through Improved Community Empowered Solutions (Best CHOICES) Project, implemented by ADRA Cambodia and generously supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
Through partnership, education, and empowerment, ADRA continues to walk alongside families like Chanthy’s — helping them thrive with dignity, resilience, and hope.
