To get an inside perspective on the changes in Anlong Veng, Cambodia from the start of FH programing seven years ago to graduation in 2015, we interviewed four community members. They each described their unique experience of partnership with FH and their development journey.
Phorn Va is a 39 year old father of three children and small business owner in Toul Treas. This is his story.
"Before FH came, this grocery shop I have was very small, only 4m x 4m and the goods I sold were limited to basic grocery items – salt, sugar, garlic, seasoning, vegetables, rice, shampoo. There were not a lot of customers, either. Even though I had a small business it could hardly meet all my family’s needs. I was poor.
I was chosen by the community members to become an officer of the Village Development Committee. I was so interested in FH work that I became a Savings and Loans Group leader, too. I joined trainings on agriculture and health, but I really focused on learning the processes to form and manage a Savings Group.
Through the Savings Group, I was able to borrow some money for the expansion my business. Now I have extended the size of my shop to 4.5m x 7m. The items I sell are more varied - rice, noodles, beef, meat, fish, vegetables like beans, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, eggplant, morning glory, onion leaf, cucumber, coconut, fish paste, fish sauce, shampoo, drinks, and ice to keep everyone cool. Today, I can earn around 50,000 R ($15.75 CAD) per day to support my family. I can say that my life is much better now and we are not poor anymore.
I am determined that even as FH goes to help another poor village, I will do my best to continue my business. I am committed to my Savings Group and I will continue to help manage it so that it keeps running successfully to help those in need.”
To help more businessmen like Phorn Va succeed, support Savings and Loans groups:
PIGGY BANK
Phorn Va is a 39 year old father of three children and small business owner in Toul Treas. This is his story.
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| PHORN VA AND HIS WIFE POSE IN FRONT OF THEIR THRIVING BUSINESS |
I was chosen by the community members to become an officer of the Village Development Committee. I was so interested in FH work that I became a Savings and Loans Group leader, too. I joined trainings on agriculture and health, but I really focused on learning the processes to form and manage a Savings Group.
Through the Savings Group, I was able to borrow some money for the expansion my business. Now I have extended the size of my shop to 4.5m x 7m. The items I sell are more varied - rice, noodles, beef, meat, fish, vegetables like beans, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, eggplant, morning glory, onion leaf, cucumber, coconut, fish paste, fish sauce, shampoo, drinks, and ice to keep everyone cool. Today, I can earn around 50,000 R ($15.75 CAD) per day to support my family. I can say that my life is much better now and we are not poor anymore.
I am determined that even as FH goes to help another poor village, I will do my best to continue my business. I am committed to my Savings Group and I will continue to help manage it so that it keeps running successfully to help those in need.”
To help more businessmen like Phorn Va succeed, support Savings and Loans groups:
PIGGY BANK
